DEO position delaying Leh airport issue: J-K govt

The Jammu and Kashmir government today said it would take up with the Centre the issue of land for construction of a terminal building at Leh Airport.
'"As per IAF, they will hand over 11.8 acres of land to Airport Authority of India for construction of Terminal Building (at Leh Airport) only after getting No Objection Certificate for the state government's land of 28 acres," the government said.
In a written reply in the state Assembly to a question raised by Nawang Rigzin Jora of Congress, the government said few meetings were arranged to address the land issue with IAF authorities at Leh and Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir.

"Most of the impediments are cleared except the indent which needs to be raised by the Defence Estates Officer (DEO). However, the delay is from the DEO side. Matter is being taken up with Principal Defence Estate Officer, Government of India through Chief Minister's office for expediting raising of indent," the government said.
About the steps contemplated to address the shortage of flights in Ladakh and exorbitant airfares affecting the tourism trade severely, it said since the parking bays and window of operations are limited at Leh airport, the shortage will persist till the expansion of the terminal and apron takes place.

However, the government said a high-level meeting was held under the chairmanship of Economic Advisor, Union Ministry of Aviation, M Kanna on July 2, 2013 at Leh.

The Chairman apart from various assurance taken up in respect of speeding up of completion of infrastructure problems constraining augmentation of flight to Leh, suggested to reduce 21 per cent VAT on ATF in the region by the state government which is accounting for 50 per cent of operating cost of flight, the government said.
Moreover, it said air tariff is linked to the market driven demand and supply mechanics and the state government has no control over the airfares.

However, the only solution is increase in number of flights which would be possible only once adequate parking stands are created by AAI at the Leh airport, the government said.