Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Saturday inaugurated a helipad in Chango village, in the state, bordering China.
The helipad, located in Kinnaur district, was constructed at a cost of Rs.1.10 crore.
He said the helipad would not only facilitate the local residents during winters but would also be of strategic importance.
"During the flash floods in the Sutlej and its tributaries, there always exists a fear of washing away of roads, the only lifeline. Now the helipad would help in evacuating the people in case of any emergency and even stranded tourists during winters," he said.
On double-laning of the Leo-Chango road, the chief minister said the detailed project report (DPR) outlining an outlay of Rs.76 crore has been submitted to the central government.
He said that initially, Rs.15 crore given by Nabard would be spent on improving the condition of the road.