Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Umang Narula took stock of the issues related to storage of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) in Ladakh during winter months on January 31.
 
Umang Narula stated that the connectivity of Ladakh to the rest of India during winter is a prime concern of the UT Administration. Owing to the lack of sufficient storage tanks, the civilian aircrafts had to carry ATF for their return journey, due to which the cargo tonnage of the aircraft gets limited.
 
He stressed on the need to increase the ATF storage capacity at Leh for the next winter.
 
Sujoy Choudhary, Executive Director, Indian Oil Corporation Limited- northern region informed that project for the construction of ATF, Motor Spirit and High-Speed Diesel are under execution. He further requested for allotment of additional land of 8 acres in and around Leh Depot for the establishment of the additional tankage facility. 
 
Umang Narula directed District Magistrate Leh to look for the availability and feasibility of the required land. He also stressed the need to make adequate storage provisions for future demand of ATF & other petroleum products in Ladakh. Also, he stressed on the establishment of storage facilities at Zanskar, Nubra, and Changthang region.
 
Indian Oil Corporation Limited will also explore the possibilities of expansion of its retail network in Ladakh by adding a new petrol pump on the highways.
 
Rigzin Samphel, Commissioner Secretary Civil Aviation; Saugat Biswas, Divisional Commissioner; Sachin Kumar Vaishya, DC, Leh; Officers from Air force, Army and Airport Authority of India were present at the meeting.