Chandigarh, September 28: The Haryana government is developing Narnaul airfield in Mahendragarh district as a hub for aero adventure activities and plans to invite private operators to promote adventure tourism around the airstrip that is lying mostly unused for almost eight years.
The state government will provide all necessary infrastructure to the tour operators at a fixed sum, initially for a period up to three months, Haryana Civil Aviation Adviser Ashok Sangwan said. “We have a 3,000-foot-long airstrip, a large hanger and other necessary infrastructure at Narnaul airfield,” he added.
“We are planning to promote aero adventure activities by introducing aero-modeling, paragliding, parasailing, skydiving and hot-air ballooning. So, taking a step in this direction, we will invite private and foreign players with requisite expertise,” he said.
Sangwan said some aero sports activities did take place on the airstrip around eight years ago, but it was subsequently stopped. The commencement of the operations would require fresh approvals of DGCA.
He said the place will attract tourists visiting the national Capital. North of Delhi, this will be one of the unique hubs for aero adventure activities, which will not only boost the tourism but also employment potential, he said.
Currently, Bir-Billing in Kangra, Solang valley near Manali and Bundla Dhar near Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh offers para-gliding. Also heli-skiing is done at Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass, Deo Tibba and Chandrakhani Pass near Manali in Himachal.
The centre will be developed along international lines and it will give a fillip to India’s participation at world aero sports events, he said.
He said the draft policy for promoting adventure sports is in a consultation stage and will be announced soon.
The state is also making efforts to upgrade aviation infrastructure at training schools. Currently, Haryana Institute of Civil Aviation has three functional flight training schools at Karnal, Pinjore and Hisar.
“We plan to invite request for proposal from private operators for training commercial pilots and upgrading the skills of existing professionals. Currently, for second and third level of commercial pilot training, people have to go abroad,” he said.
He said the Hisar airport has got the aerodrome status from DGCA and now it is authorised to conduct commercial flights.
Source Tribune India
