IAF proposes firing range near Munisiyari

The Indian Air Force (IAF) central command today sought the Uttarakhand government's permission for opening a firing range near Munisiyari in Pithoragarh district, an official said.

The firing range will be used for target practice from air to land, officers ofthe IAF central command who met Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat at the secretariat here said.

Giving details of the location identified for the project, Wing Commander Ashutosh Mishra said it is away from populated area and would cause no harm to the environment nor pose a danger of landslides as only low intensity bombs are used for target practice.

"It fulfils all security norms", the wing commander said adding it will be used for only three weeks in a year.

The officers thanked the chief minister for support in re-activating air strips at Dharasu, Gauchar and Pithoragarh.

Expressing the state government's readiness to provide all support to the air force in view of the strategic importance of Uttarakhand, Rawat said permission for the firing range will be granted once a formal proposal is received and examined, officials said.