Meghalaya not planning to buy chopper: Conrad refutes reports

Shillong: Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma has categorically refuted reports of the government planning to procure a chopper for the state, citing the substantial costs and technical expertise associated with such an acquisition. He was reacting to a report published by a local newspaper on the state government’s plan to procure a twin-engine helicopter for transporting VIPs. Conrad on Thursday said the news report was factually incorrect. “Meghalaya has not come out with any tender or shown any intention to procure any chopper because it is very expensive. We will only be giving out a tender for leasing, a short-term lease, on a service basis and we pay on hourly basis to the concerned company. That is the most efficient way in which we can serve the purpose and at the same time not incur too much of a heavy financial burden,” he explained. He further justified the need for a dedicated chopper for official and VIP movement as the state currently uses the helicopter services meant for tourists and civil purposes. Hence, tourist services are hit when the government uses the chopper. “This is also being done because most of the time, the chopper that is there is meant for tourists. Normal sorties meant for Shillong, Tura and Guwahati get disturbed when there is some VIP movement,” the CM said.

Start chopper services at eco-tourism destinations: UP CM Yogi Adityanath

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath proposes helicopter services and four-lane road connectivity to eco-tourism sites like Dudhwa National Park, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, and Chuka lake of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve. He emphasizes the need to train and employ locals as guides and improve accommodation arrangements for tourists. Yogi also condemns cruelty towards animals and highlights the increase in the number of dolphins due to conservation efforts. He calls for the education of villagers to become dolphin friends and the creation of a veterinarian cadre for wild animal care. Additionally, he addresses mobile network issues and supports archaeological excavations.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath inuagurates first Intra District Chopper Service in Bateshwar

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the first Intra District Chopper Service of the state from Bateshwar in Agra to Govardhan in Mathura. The helicopter will fly from Bateshwar in Agra to Goverdhan in Mathura. A helipad has been prepared in Bateshwar village, 65 km from Agra city. This article discusses the inauguration of the Intra District Chopper Service in Uttar Pradesh by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The service will operate between Bateshwar and Govardhan, with a helipad set up in Bateshwar village.

Cotton procurement by CCI picks up pace in state

The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has picked up the pace of cotton procurement in Madhya Pradesh due to a jump in cotton arrival in the spot markets. CCI has already procured 55,000 bales of raw cotton at the government fixed minimum support price (MSP). The daily arrival of cotton in MP's spot markets is estimated at 40,000 quintals, with over 60% being procured by CCI. CCI has set up 21 procurement centers in MP and is purchasing produce from farmers based on quality parameters.