New Delhi, Aug 12:  The Minister for Consumer Affairs Public Distribution and Transport Department Jammu & Kashmir, Qamar Ali Akhoon along with Chairman/CEC, of LAHDC, Kargil A A K Kacho met the Union Defence Minister A K Antony here and discussed upgradation/extension of airstrip of the Kargil Airport to the extend of 3000 feet more.
 This upgradation may give widening to Airstrip to the extend of 9000 ft. The Minister informed the Union Minister that the decision to this effect was already taken by the Prime Minister’s Office in a meeting which was represented by the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary, Madhav Lal, and a decision was taken that the funds for the upgradation of  Kargil Airport shall be provided by the Prime Minister’s Office through Defence Ministry. In addition the minister requested that additional sortis of courier services during winter season is essential requirement for the Kargil.
 The Minister also discussed the need of evacuations/shifting of Army from Kurbathang Plateau in view of expected expansion of Kargil town due to influx of tourist and also the beautification of the Kargil town.
 Akhoon explained to the Union Minister that the shifting of present Kurbathang field firing range to some other place is of utmost importance and  an essential requirement as the firing area range is very close to the Kargil town and the practices with the advance weaponry by the Army is causing  heavy damage to the ecological balance to the area as well as precious medicinal plants and also effecting the essential part of our economy which is live stock as the area is used for their grazing.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 12 Aug 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 12 Aug 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 13 Aug 2011 00:00:00 IST