Jammu: Expressing concern over the noise and air pollution caused by chopper sorties in Katra- the base camp of Vaishno Devi shrine, a J-K Assembly Panel has recommended relocation of the helipad from the holy town.
"There is an urgent need for relocation of the helipad in order to minimise the daily sorties to prevent air and noise pollution in Katra town," a report of Committee on
Environment said.
It further noted that the people of the town had raised the issue of "uncontrolled" trips of helicopters leading to problems of noise and air pollution.
Two helicopter companies carry out dozens of sorties daily from Katra to Sanjichat and back ferrying hundreds of pilgrims to the cave shrine.
Also, the panel said, there is a need for taking preventive measures for creating healthy and hygienic environment in the town which is thronged by over 80 lakh
pilgrims annually.
It further recommended the establishment of a sewerage treatment plant at an appropriate place in Katra town.
People of the town have held several protests and made representations to authorities demanding shifting of the helipad.
PTI
First Published: Monday, May 10, 2010, 16:17