Lucknow, June 8 -- In a major push towards disaster preparedness and emergency response, the Uttar Pradesh government will soon begin construction of helipads at the block and tehsil levels across the state. The infrastructure will also facilitate VIP movement and election-related travel ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls.

A total of 736 new helipads will be built and 17 existing ones repaired over the next six months. The project follows Chief minister Yogi Adityanath's directive to establish helipads near every block, tehsil and district headquarters.

"PWD has prepared a detailed action plan for the project," said Ashok Dwivedi, head of Department and engineer-in-chief (Planning), Public Works Department.

According to officials, the st...