WE THE PEOPLE
International flights not possible in absence of Instrument Landing System, approach lights and high-density fog lights
Hence people urge Govt., to ensure hassle-free landing facilities to avoid interruptions, especially to Haj flights due to inclement weather
By: M. Shirjeel
SRINAGAR: Kashmir Valley faces disruptions both in land and air communication links due to inclement weather and thus remains cut-off with rest of the world. There are countries where weather conditions are more unfavorable amore severe, but never face interruptions in their communication system. It is due to adoption of the latest technology that their air and road links are hassle-free. Perhaps this theory found acceptance with J&K State Administration, which prompted it to involve Airport Authority of India (AAI) to modernize Jammu and Kashmir Airports to keep them open for international flights throughout the year. But the AAI has not succeeded to achieve the objective so far as stands evidenced during ongoing Haj flights, which are not on schedule and hence Haj pilgrim are facing severe hardships for no fault of theirs.
However, it is heartening to learn that the State Governor is reportedly taking up the issue with the Union Ministries of Civil Aviation and Defence for immediate establishment of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and installation of the approach lights, high density and fog lights at the Airports.
The installation of ILS shall enhance visibility range in view of geographical and topographical locations of the Airports. The Srinagar Airport needs 2.2 kilometers visibility for operation of all scheduled flights, as in the wake of poor visibility, most of the flights are cancelled. The Srinagar Airport ranks at number 15 among the 46 top domestic airports of the country with a runway of 12000 feet. AAI is working on development of Airports in the State on a fast track basis. Apart from building an international airport terminal at Srinagar, it is also building new terminals and extending runways at Leh and Jammu. The extension of runway of Kargil Airport and resurfacing and extension of Kishtwar Air Strip is also on their list of assignments.
The airport will have integrated terminal building for domestic and international passengers. The international flights were scheduled to operate from the airport from the summer and the modernization project to be completed by 31st May 2008, but it has been delayed. The new look airport will have two aero-bridges initially whose number could be increased at a future date. The terminal building is expected to handle 500 domestic and 450 international passengers at a given point. It will be the first airport in the country to have inline baggage x-ray system. The terminal building is to comprise of 6 sections and cover an area of 2-lakh sq.ft. But people demand adoption of latest gadgets to keep the airport operational in all weather conditions.
It is further learnt that the modernization of Leh airport is being done at a cost of Rs.112 crore. The new terminal building is proposed to be an integrated structure to handle domestic and also international flights, if and when these operate from there. The airport will have two aero-bridges. The apron work has reportedly been completed. The Kargil airport runway extension from the present 6000 ft length to 7500 ft.is on cards. Possibilities of a 19-seater civil aircraft service to Kargil is under active consideration of the authorities. It is also reported that the length of the runway of Jammu airport is being extended from the existing 6700 ft. to 9000ft. The new terminal building of the airport is estimated to cost over Rs. 100 crores.
“It is an admitted fact that the Valley of Kashmir has suffered due to road and air links. The Valley being bowl-shaped is also prone to floods. Our forests stand denuded and plundered to the hilt, especially during the period of turbulence in the State. Owing to power shortage, the industrial development could not take-off and as such not only economy has suffered, but unemployment problem has assumed alarming proportions too. Since the State Government seems to have realized the factors responsible for the economic setback so they have taken steps to set-up International Trade Centre at Pampore and modernize J&K Airports to ensure operation of international flights round the year. This needs to be followed by tapping and harnessing hydel potential and improving production of cereal crop in the State”, said a group of elderly persons of Kashmir Valley.
Hence people urge Govt., to ensure hassle-free landing facilities to avoid interruptions, especially to Haj flights due to inclement weather. The authorities must leave no stone unturned in ensuring operation of international flights so that these do not encounter any difficulty in landing during inclement weather. Immediate establishment of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and installation of the approach lights, high density and fog lights at the Airports shall enhance visibility range in view of geographical and topographical locations of the Airports. The sooner this is done the better!
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