Dehradun: The central command of Indian Air Force has requested the state government to grant permission for a firing range near Munisiyari. The range will be used for target practice from air to land. The air force officials thanked the Chief Minister Mr. Trivendra Singh Rawat 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 had a meeting with Chief Minister at secretariat. Wing Commander Ashutosh Mishra giving details of the project said that joint survey with local administrative officers has been done. 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 and no danger of landslides. All the security norms are fulfilled completely. Wing Commander said that it was only three weeks in a year that the area will be used.
The exercises will be carried out only after the state government will notify and give clear permission for the same. The Air Force will be responsible to collect the bombs used during the exercises. The Chief Minister said that a proposal should be sent to the state government. The government will grant permission after getting the proposal examined.
Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh, additional Secretary Dr.M.S.Bisht, Air Commodore Sumit Bannerjee, Group captain Ashutosh Shrivastava and Air MarshalS.B.P.Sinha were present in the meeting.
