Saturday, 20 November 2021 | PNS | Dehradun
Representing Uttarakhand in the meeting of Civil Aviation ministers of the states presided over by Union Civil Aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday, the state’s Tourism minister Satpal Maharaj stressed on the need for an international airport in Haridwar.
Regarding the construction of an international airport in Haridwar, the minister said that Haridwar is a major centre of Hindu faith which is visited by multitude from across the nation and abroad. Such people also wish to visit other locations in the state including the Char Dham shrines but are unable to visit Uttarakhand due to lack of direct flights. Considering this, an international airport is necessary in Haridwar, he stressed.
Maharaj also spoke about the need for drafting sea-plane and blimp policy. He also referred to the need for upgrading Naini Saini airport along with the facilities in Gauchar and Chinyalisaud. He said that these should be brought under the purview of the Airport Authority of India so as to facilitate the operation of 72-seater aircrafts from these facilities. He said that Uttarakhand plans to operate sea-planes from Tehri, Nanaksagar and other lakes in the state, adding that the government of India should make the required policy for this soon.
