CEC Leh calls on MoS Civil Aviation; raises air connectivity, fare issues

CEC Leh submitting a memorandum to MoS Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha at New Delhi.
CEC Leh submitting a memorandum to MoS Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha at New Delhi.

Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Jan 11: The Chairman/CEC, LAHDC, Leh Jamyang Tsering Namgyal along with Phunchok Stanzin Executive Councillor (Agri), today called on Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, GoI, at New Delhi and strongly raised issues of expensive airfare and limited air transport facilities to the people of Ladakh region.
He urged Jayant Sinha for the dire need to act on the long pending demand of subsidized tariff, capping of the airfare or framing flat flight rate for the Ladakhi people and the Government employees working in the Ladakh region and requested him to work out an arrangement whereby the bonafide local residents of Ladakh could be benefited.
CEC also apprised the Minister about the geographical, climatic and economic conditions of Ladakh due to which Ladakhi people are entirely dependent on air travel for connectivity with the rest of India in winter months. He said that travelling by air is not a luxury but a compulsion for Ladakhis, due to the closure of two vital highways for six to seven months in winter which virtually makes it impossible for section of society such as patients, students, pilgrims and others to visit other parts for the country.
CEC also apprised Jayant Sinha about Nubra valley which is being visited by about two lakh tourists every year in summer months and most importantly inhabitants are facing difficulty in absence of air service facility in the Nubra valley. He requested for inclusion of Thoise Nubra in UDHAN and opening of Thoise Nubra for schedule commercial airlines. He also requested Minister for inclusion of Mudh Air field in eastern Ladakh in UDHAN. MoS Jayant Sinha assured CEC for inclusion of these areas under UDHAN. CEC also urged the Minister for speedy completion of upcoming Airport Terminal, at Leh. He also brought to the notice of the Minister that Pawan Hans had discontinued service during the winter months in Ladakh region, when in fact during these months the services are generally required. He urged Minister for his intervention in immediate resumption of Pawan Hans Helicopter services in Ladakh region.

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