Pithoragarh: 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 for the airport’s upgradation has received the green light from the state government. The airport has been upgraded to a 3C category. The Pithoragarh district administration will prepare and submit an expansion proposal to the government.
Naini Saini Airport, a border district of Pithoragarh 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 upgradation and submitted its report to the government, which has now received in-principle approval. Based on the Airport Authority’s report, the district administration has completed a technical survey. A proposal for expansion will soon be prepared and submitted to the government for approval. According to the administration, once Naini Saini Airport is upgraded to category 3C, 72-seater aircraft will be able to operate from here.
Convincing the villagers is a major challenge: Locals have fertile fields surrounding Naini Saini Airport. This area is famous for producing Basmati and other rice varieties. Naini Saini Airport was previously established on this land. The locals are now opposed to giving up any other land. Convincing the locals for airport expansion will be a challenge for the administration. There have been protests in the past regarding land compensation.
Land will be acquired again: Land will be needed for the expansion of Naini Saini Airport. The administration will have to make arrangements for this. There are many buildings surrounding the airport. Those affected by the expansion will also have to be demolished. Following government instructions, the district administration has begun preparations for a survey.
Tourism will receive a boost: The upgrading and expansion of Naini Saini Airport will boost tourism in the border district, as well as enhance air services, and strengthen border security. The district boasts beautiful tourist destinations like Munsyari, Chaukori, Patal Bhuvaneshwar, and Kailash, which will boost tourism and business.
he Naini Saini Airport has been approved for upgradation, a matter of pride for the entire district. A proposal for its expansion will soon be prepared based on government instructions. The airport’s upgradation and expansion will give the area a new identity and boost tourism.
Vinod Goswami, DM Pithoragarh
