Ration, medicines airlifted to Chamba’s Bara Bhangal

The Kangra Airport has extended its air traffic control (ATC) services and operations beyond routine duty hours to facilitate the movement of the helicopters of the defence forces engaged in relief operations to the rain-hit remote areas of Kangra and Chamba districts.

The helicopters, operating in coordination with the district administration, have been transporting ration, medicines and other essential supplies to the tribal settlements like Bara Bhangal, which have remained cut off during the monsoon season due to their difficult terrains and damaged roads.

Airport Director Dhirendra Singh said that it was necessary to extend the watch hours to ensure an uninterrupted operation of the helicopters, which depend on clearances from the civil ATC for safe landing and take-off. “The helicopters are making multiple sorties every day and the airport has been providing support even beyond normal hours so that their operation is not hampered,” he added.

The remote tribal area of Bara Bhangal, located deep in the Dhauladhar mountain ranges, remained isolated for the past couple of months due to heavy rainfall. As a result, the community depends heavily on airdropped supplies to meet basic requirements.

A district official said that timely support from the Kangra Airport helped in ensuring that essential items reach residents without delay. “The cooperation between the civil aviation authorities and the defence establishment has been critical in maintaining lifelines for people in difficult areas,” he added.

The sarpanch of Bara Bhangal village, Mansa Ram Bhangalia, urged the district administration to restore the damaged trekking routes in the village. District Magistrate, Kangra, Hemraj Bairwa said that helicopter sorties were crucial for sustaining the population of Bara Bhangal and other remote areas until conditions improve.