The central command of Indian Air Force has requested the state government to grant permission for a firing range near Munsiyari. The range will be used for target practice from air to land. The air force officials thanked the Chief Minister for his support to re-activate air strips at Dharasu, Gauchar and Pithoragarh. Chief Minister said that, “Uttarakhand is strategically important and the state government is ready to provide all kind of support to the air force.”
The officials of the central command of the Air Force held a meeting with Chief Minister at the Secretariat. Wing Commander Ashutosh Mishra giving details of the project said that, “joint survey with local administrative officers has been carried out. The area is away from populated area. Only low intensity bombs are used for target practice where only light and smoke are used. There is no harm to the environment or dangers of landslides. All security norms have been complied with.” The area would be used three weeks in a year.
Further on, Exercises would be carried out only after the notification and clearance of the State Government. The onus would be on the Air Force to collect bombshells used during the exercises. The Chief Minister said that a proposal should be sent to the state government, after which permission can be granted post examining the proposal .
