Strengthening Capabilites In The Central Sector Opposite China, IAF Considers Acquiring Three Air Strips In Uttarakhand: CDS Anil Chauhan

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to take control of three airstrips in Uttarakhand. This move, according to Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, will strengthen IAF's capabilities in the area, reported India Today.

He made this announcement last Saturday (on 25 November). The airstrips are located in Pithoragarh in the Kumaon Hills and in Dharasu and Gauchar in the Garhwal Hills.

General Chauhan explained that these airstrips are currently on land owned by the state government. The government wants the Armed Forces to take them over. This would not only be strategically important for the military but would also improve air travel for local people in the region.

The IAF is in the process of taking over these airstrips, following the acceptance of a proposal from the state government.

These airstrips will increase IAF's operational capabilites in the central sector opposite China, leading to faster mobilisation in times of war, and faster logistics movement.

General Chauhan also talked about how the armed forces help local communities in border states. He mentioned that in states like Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and the Union Territory of Ladakh, the forces buy local products like milk and fresh food from cooperatives.

He added that this practice, which wasn’t previously done in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, will now start in these states as well. The Army will buy local products from cooperatives there to support them.

Finally, the CDS said that the Indian Army’s Operation Sadbhavna, which includes running schools and building infrastructure in Ladakh, has been extended to Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand since last year.

This extension will help bring the benefits of these programs to these states too.