Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur urged the Centre for according permission for using SASE defence helipad at Manali for tourism purpose.
He met Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Thursday and said that Himachal witnesses heavy tourist influx especially Manali and surrounding areas and in order to boost tourism this would help and improve connectivity.
Chief Minister apprised her that roads in Kinnaur and Lahaul Spiti being maintained by BRO were not in good condition and needed proper maintenance.
He said that these were the only access roads to the hydel projects being constructed on Sut lej and Chenab rivers and requires immediate attention.
Thakur also requested the Union Minister for renaming Rohtang tunnel on the name of late Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee who had a very special attachment for the people of the state.
He informed that the tunnel was a gift to the people of the state as during his tenure only the project came up. Defence Minister agreed in principle for according permission to use SASE helipad for tourism purpose and also directed the officers concerned to issue necessary directions to BRO for upkeep of roads.