New Delhi: A Parliamentary Standing Committee has strongly recommended review of helicopter operations in the North East, while expressing concern over spurt in helicopter accidents in the region.
The committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture, in its report on development of tourism in the North East, asked the Civil Aviation Ministry to look in to the incidents of chopper accidents seriously so that corrective measures can be taken.
In this context, the committee headed by CPI-M MP Sitaram Yechury, also drew attention to the recommendations contained in its report on ‘Helicopter Operations in India’ which recommended that the entire gamut of helicopter operations in the country should be reviewed.
“The committee recommends that the entire gamut of helicopter operations in India may be reviewed and adequate and appropriate steps may be taken to ensure safer helicopter travel. The committee recommends that guidelines/regulations for take off and landing of helicopters during low visibility should not only be strengthen but enforced strictly,” the panel quoted from the earlier report.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu had died in a helicopter crash near Sela Pass in the state on April 30 last year.
While slamming the Centre for poor aerial connectivity to the North Eastern states, the panel felt that there was a need to promote helicopter operations to inaccessible areas having tourism potential in the region as there has been constraints in rail and road connectivity. This will not only aid in connecting the inaccesible areas but improve tourism.
The Committee also asked Air India to increase flights to the region, noting that major chunk of flight operations to North East connecting Delhi are being run by private operators.
“Promotion of North Eastern region as major tourist destination would depend on the air connectivity to these places,” the Committee said.
It recommended that frequency of flights between Guwahati and Bangkok should be increased while flight connectivity to Guwahati from Dhaka, Bhutan and Nepal should be introduced.
Seeking steps to improve visit of foreign tourists to the region, the Committee recommended regular review of restrictions on travel of foreign tourists to certain states in the North East.
“The Committee is of the view that these restrictions on foreign tourists may be regularly reviewed so that more and more foreign tourists visit the NE states,” it said.
The Committee slammed the Tourism Ministry in this matter, saying its replies to various queries does not reflect the “seriousness” required to boost tourism in the region. (PTI)