In a major concern for Jammu and Kashmir government, the state continues to ferry VVIPs including Governor NN Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his cabinet colleagues in two ‘outdated’ helicopters putting their lives at risk. Interestingly, the move to buy a third helicopter has got stuck in technical hitches despite strong pressure from an ‘influential group’ of state functionaries. Sources in the state’s Civil Aviation Department told Greater Kashmir that J&K has only two choppers, including one single-engine helicopter, which are prone to technical snags. “The first helicopter was procured in 2001 and the second one in 2006. However, both are old fashioned now,” they said. In the recent past, a state chopper carrying Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and top politicians developed a technical snag forcing the pilot to make emergency landing. “The helicopters are being put at the service for Governor NN Vohra and Chief Minister. Ministers too can seek the services of choppers at certain occasions,” said a source in the Civil Aviation Department. Sources said the government is under tremendous pressure to buy a third chopper given the fact that many legislators of remote areas have made personal requests to the government on the matter. “These MLAs feel that their constituencies remain cut-off during six months of winter and helicopters are must to take stock of the situation in those areas,” sources said. MLA Gurez and Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Nazir Gurezi said helicopters don’t ferry VIPs only but help them take stock of the situation in areas like Gurez during severe winter conditions. “My constituency remains cut off for six months from rest of Kashmir due to heavy snowfall. Road links get blocked and aerial route is the only way to reach there,” he said. Gurezi said he has made personal request to the government to buy a third chopper. “The existing choppers are old-fashioned now,” he said. Commissioner Civil Aviation, Captain S Katoch said there is a need for third helicopter. “We are evaluating the requirement for the third one,” he said. Sources said the government tried to get in touch with a company over the chopper deal which however, didn’t materialize. “Now Civil Aviation department, which is under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is working out the modalities on how to buy a modernized chopper keeping in view the financial implications as well,” sources said. Officials in the Civil Aviation Department said the existing two choppers are not enough to cater to the huge rush. “Given the six-month long winter period in JK, two choppers aren’t enough to reach out to areas like Kargil, Drass, Tanghdar, Karnah, Gurez, Doda, Kishtwar and other remote areas. If the third one is added to the fleet, that would, obviously be of great advantage,” sources said. Pertinently, on April 18, this year, a chopper carrying Chief Minister made an emergency landing in Kishtwar district shortly after takeoff due to technical snag. However, no one was injured. Interestingly, the state government has spent Rs 12 crore between 2008 to 2011 on the air-travel of Chief Minister and other ministers in state choppers.
Posted on: Sun, 07 Jul 2013 04:35:32 +0000
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