The state government is now planning to develop helipads in the border areas. Locations for these helipads have already been identified, and the government is now preparing to develop them further. For this, the state government will seek the cooperation of the Army. The project will begin next year and will be implemented gradually. Strategically important Uttarakhand shares borders with China and Nepal. Keeping this in mind, locations for alternate helipads have been identified in the state’s border and mountainous regions. These helipads will be used by the Army as well as for rapid relief and rescue operations during disasters. Thus, these helipads will be beneficial not only for national security but also for the local residents. The government is currently promoting tourism in the remote areas of the state. New tourist destinations are being developed. To ensure that tourists can easily access these destinations, the government is emphasizing the expansion of helicopter services. Currently, 102 helipad sites in the public sector and 31 in the private sector have been identified in the state. These are already being used from time to time. Now, the government is preparing to develop them in a phased manner. The Army’s cooperation will also be sought for this. Developing the identified helipad sites will not only facilitate travel but will also create employment opportunities for local people. Tourist destinations will be able to gain recognition on the national and global map. Tourism Secretary Sachin Kurve says that developing helipads in the state will promote tourism and also help in creating employment opportunities for local residents.
Government-identified helipad sites in the state:
Almora – 11
Bageshwar – 05
Chamoli – 11
Chabmapt – 03
Dehradun – 07
Haridwar – 02
Nainital – 07
Pauri – 07
Pithoragarh – 16
Rudraprayag – 05
Tehri – 07
Udhamsingh Nagar – 07
Uttarkashi – 14
