Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to get a defense airport constructed in Mandi to combat any terror threat and boost tourism in the hill-state, officials said.
Thakur called on the prime minister in the national capital and informed him that the airport authority had found 3479 bighas of land at Naagchala in Mandi fit for construction of an international airport and landing large aircrafts.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking for a safe airstrip in adjoining areas of Pathankot following the terrorist attack at Uri airbase, Thakur said.
The proposed airport in Mandi will be beneficial for defence forces as the district is well-connected to the entire state of Himachal Pradesh and therefore could prove crucial to combat any threat, he added.
The chief minister further said the airport will be a good alternative to the airstrips at Shimla, Kangra and Kullu as they were not meant for bigger aircrafts.
The airport would be useful for defence purpose as well as civil use which would facilitate tourists thereby boosting tourism in the state, he added.
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Thakur further apprised Modi about the losses incurred by the hill-state due to the monsoon rain.
Seeking the deputation of an inter-ministerial team to assess the damage, Thakur requested the prime minister to provide interim relief to the state.
Meanwhile, Modi assured the CM of prompt action on demands raised by him, the official spokesperson said.