Kangra airport extends operations to support relief efforts in remote rain-hit areas

The Kangra airport has extended its air traffic control (ATC) services and airport operations beyond routine duty hours to facilitate the movement of military helicopters engaged in relief operations to rain-hit remote areas of Kangra and Chamba districts. The helicopters, operating in coordination with the district administration, have been transporting rations, medicines, and other essential supplies to tribal settlements that remain cut off during the monsoon season due to difficult terrain and poor or damaged road connectivity.

Airport director Dhirendra Singh stated that extending watch hours was necessary to ensure uninterrupted operations of the defence helicopters, which depend on clearances from the civil ATC for safe landing and take-off. “The helicopters are making multiple sorties daily, and the airport has been providing support even beyond normal hours so that operations are not hampered,” he said.

The remote tribal area of Bada Banghal, located deep in the Dhauladhar ranges, remained isolated for the past couple of months due to heavy monsoon rains. The only access was through long and arduous trekking routes, which become impassable during heavy rains. As a result, the community depends heavily on air-dropped or airlifted supplies to meet basic requirements.

A senior official of the district administration said timely support from the Kangra airport has helped ensure that essential items reach residents without delay. “The cooperation between civil aviation authorities and the defence establishment has been critical in maintaining lifelines for people in this difficult terrain,” the official added.

With the monsoon continuing to disrupt road connectivity across the hill state, the official said helicopter sorties will remain crucial for sustaining the population of Bada Banghal and other remote areas until conditions improve.

The sarpanch of Bada Banghal village, Mansa Ram Bhangalia, has extended his thanks for the supply of essential items and demanded that the district administration restore the village’s trekking routes, which were damaged in the flash floods triggered by heavy rains.