Muhammed Riyas, airstrip | Photo: Mathrubhumi
Thiruvananthapuram: When the first aircraft takes off from Idukki district, there is a lot for the Public Works Department to be proud of, said Minister PA Muhammed Riyas. In his Facebook post, the Minister informed that the PWD has prepared the outline and is undertaking the construction activities for the only airstrip of National Cadet Corps in the country at Manjumala in Peerumedu. It will be the first airstrip of India that is being constructed by a Public Works Department.
This airstrip will be used to land the microlight aircraft employed for the training. It aims to facilitate the training, accommodation and camps of NCC cadets from all over India. The cadets will be trained to fly aircrafts under Indian Naval officers. 200 cadets can undergo training here at a time. 12 acres of land was granted for this project and later NCC requested 15 acres more.
As of now, only the works of the airstrip have been completed. It has been decided to expedite electricity, drinking water, road facilities and other requirements before ‘Keralapiravi’ (Kerala formation day).
The airstrip can be also used to render quick aid to the hilly regions in emergency situations. In similar circumstances, Air Force crafts and big helicopters can also land over here. It can also be considered as a boost to the tourism sector of Idukki.
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