Rudrapur, Jan. 4 -- A newly constructed helipad in Manch, a remote area close to Nepal border, is now ready for operation, officials familiar with the matter said, adding that it has been built at a cost of Rs.25 lakh. "The helipad will provide immediate helicopter operations for relief and rescue during disaster, emergency medical facilities and other transport facilities. It will also boost untapped tourism," said Manish Kumar, district magistrate, Champawat. A helipad had been sanctioned by the state government with a cost of Rs.25 lakh in Manch around 35 km from Champawat district headquarters. Helipad is now ready for operations. The construction work was assigned to the Public Works Department (PWD).The villagers of the area depend on private taxis. If any emergency comes they face a lot of challenges, an official said. Hitesh Kandpal, executive engineer, PWD said, "Helipad has been constructed on a cliff and its diameter is 30-metre. We have focused on its strength for safe landing." DM Kumar said, "The helipad will provide air connectivity and instil a sense of safety and security among people of the area. For now they are solely dependent on a road which frequently closes and halts traffic during monsoon." Notably, the government has also sanctioned a helipad in Chuka, another remote area in Champawat district with a budget of Rs.1.89 crore, an official said, adding that the construction of the helipad is underway....