Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan said the Indian Air Force is planning to take over three airstrips in Uttarkhand and use them for strategic purposes.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan said the Uttarkhand government made the proposal for the takeover of teh airstrips to the Armed Forces. (File photo)

The Indian Air Force is considering taking over three airstrips in Uttarakhand to strengthen its operational capabilities in Uttarakhand, said Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Saturday.

The three airstrips include Pithoragarh in the Kumaon Hills and, Dharasu and Gauchar in the Garhwal Hills.

General Anil Chauhan said the landing strips were made on the state government’s land and it wanted the Armed Forces to take over the property. This will not help provide strategic use of the airstrips but also help in improving air connectivity for the locals in the area, he added.