Nipun Jindal, the deputy commissioner of Kangra, stated that the FCA clearance was required in order to convert 25 kanals of forest land to non-forest uses. The Union Environment Ministry has in-principle approved the construction of the heliport at Rakkar village in Dharamshala under the FCA.

Nipun Jindal, the deputy commissioner for Kangra, stated that the FCA approval was required in order to use 25 kanals of forest land for non-forest purposes.

According to him, “the local government addressed the issue voiced by the ministry on the project plan, and on August 28 the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate change granted the in-principle approval, which is also the stage-I clearance.

He stated that as soon as it receives stage-II, or official clearance under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), the work will begin.

The heliport, according to Jindal, will increase local tourism and improve aviation connections. He continued by saying that the area is vulnerable to natural disasters and that the heliport will aid in rescue and evacuation operations.

He claimed that all 12 district offices would get heliports from the state government. Two heliports are planned for Kangra, and a third is being considered for the CSK-Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University in Palampur.

Source- Hindustan times
Link- https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/union-ministry-grants-approval-for-heliport-in-dharamshala-to-boost-tourism-and-improve-connectivity-101693510189733.html