SRINAGAR, Oct 27: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday clarified that the helicopter services currently operating in far-flung regions such as Gurez are exclusively meant for local residents and not for tourists.
Responding to a query by MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan in the Legislative Assembly about introducing helicopter services for tourists during winters in the border region of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, the Chief Minister — who also holds the Tourism portfolio — said the service was launched to assist locals who remain cut off for months due to snow and harsh weather conditions.
“The helicopter services in Gurez are only meant for locals as the area remains cut off during winters. So far, the government has no plan to start helicopter services for tourists in far-flung areas, including Gurez,” Omar said.
However, the Chief Minister added that the government would welcome private participation if companies express interest in launching such services. “If any private player intends to start helicopter services for tourists in Gurez, we won’t create hurdles; instead, we will support them,” he said.
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