Chopper ride proposed at Surajkund crafts mela

Bijendra Ahlawat

Tribune News Service

Faridabad, January 18

With the 29th edition of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela set to start from February 1, the authorities have proposed to offer helicopter ride to visitors.

“We have issued advertisements, inviting expression of interest from the helicopter operators so that the visitors can get an aerial view of the fair premises spread over 40 acres,” said Rajesh Joon, Tourism Officer, Haryana Tourism Corporation.

“The last date to submit the proposals is January 27,” he said, adding that the chopper service would be provided if all went as per plan. The helicopter ride was first introduced in 2013 and it was available for Rs 1,200 per person per ride. The service was, however, discontinued last year due to some technical reasons.

The cost of ticket will be decided after finalising the tender. Chhattisgarh has been chosen as theme state. The authorities said the fair, which was upgraded to an international level and rechristened as Surajkund International Crafts Mela in 2012, will have Lebanon as the partner nation this year.

The fair to be inaugurated by Chief Ministers of Haryana and Chhattisgarh will see the participation of 1,000 artisans and 800 cultural performers.