Uttarakhand: Pithoragarh Airport expansion approved, 72-seater aircraft to soon fly from Nainisaini
The residents of the border district of Pithoragarh will soon receive good news. 72-seater aircraft will soon operate from Naini Saini Airport. The Airports Authority of India’s proposal to upgrade the airport has received the green light from the state government. The airport has been upgraded to a 3C category. The Pithoragarh district administration will prepare an expansion proposal and submit it to the government.
Naini Saini Airport, located in Pithoragarh, a border district bordering the international border with China and Nepal, previously held a 2C category. Under this category, only 72-seater aircraft can operate from the airport. The process of upgrading the strategically important Naini Saini Airport has begun. The Airports Authority of India conducted a survey for the upgrade and submitted its report to the government, which has now received in-principle approval. Based on the Airports Authority’s report, the district administration has also completed a technical survey. Soon, a proposal for expansion will be prepared and submitted to the government for approval. According to the administration, once Naini Saini Airport is upgraded to 3C category, 72-seater aircraft will be able to operate from here.
Convincing the villagers is a major challenge: The locals have fertile fields surrounding Naini Saini Airport. This area is famous for the production of Basmati and other rice varieties. Naini Saini Airport was previously established on this land. Now, the people of the area are opposed to giving any other land. Convincing the locals to expand the airport will be a challenge for the administration. There have been several protests in the past regarding land compensation.
Land will be acquired: Land will be needed for the expansion of Naini Saini Airport. The administration will have to arrange for it. There are several buildings surrounding the airport. The buildings that fall under the expansion plan will also have to be demolished. On government instructions, the district administration has begun preparations for a survey.
Tourism will receive a boost: The upgrading and expansion of Nainisaini Airport will boost tourism in the border district, expanding air services, and strengthening border security. The district boasts beautiful tourist destinations like Munsyari, Chaukori, Patal Bhuvaneshwar, and Kailash, which will boost tourism and business.
The Nainisaini Airport has received approval for upgrading, a matter of pride for the entire district. A proposal for expansion will soon be prepared based on government instructions. The airport’s upgrading and expansion will give the area a new identity and boost tourism.
Vinod Goswami, DM, Pithoragarh
