Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 27 October 2023
In a fervent plea to the Chief Secretary, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Member of Parliament representing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has demanded the immediate restoration of full helicopter services across the remote archipelago.
In his impassioned letter, Sharma highlighted the critical role that helicopter services play in the daily lives of the islanders. These services are not merely a convenience but a lifeline, bridging the gaps between different islands and serving as a vital mode of transportation, especially during medical emergencies.
Over the past several months, the region has been grappling with a severe shortage of helicopters, escalating into a serious issue that affects the lives of residents. Under the contractual agreement with Pawan Hans, the islands were supposed to have a fleet of four operational helicopters based in Port Blair. However, due to various factors, including extensive repairs and routine inspections, this number has dwindled.
Sharma noted that one helicopter was dispatched to Mumbai, Maharashtra, for major repairs, while another was temporarily withdrawn for routine inspection. To compound the problem, a third helicopter developed technical issues, leaving the region with only one operational helicopter for a period.
Though the second helicopter has now been reinstated into service, an operational fleet of just two helicopters remains significantly inadequate to meet the islands’ transportation needs. This shortage has had a profound impact on patient transport during medical emergencies, particularly for residents of remote islands.
Sharma emphasized the unique challenges faced by the residents of North and Middle Andaman, including those in the Diglipur region, who are facing immense difficulties. Despite having road access, the deplorable condition of the NH-4 highway makes helicopter services an essential requirement for emergencies in these areas.
The parliamentarian did offer a glimmer of hope, mentioning the arrival of a new, advanced helicopter in the islands, with three additional helicopters scheduled to replace the older ones. However, bureaucratic delays and agreements have prevented these helicopters from becoming operational, further exacerbating the crisis.
In his plea to the Chief Secretary, Sharma called for immediate intervention to rectify this dire situation. He urged the Chief Secretary to engage with Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited to ensure that four helicopters are stationed at Port Blair in accordance with the contractual agreement, and that services are resumed to all regions as per the previous schedule. This, he argued, would bring immense relief to the island’s residents.
Furthermore, Sharma requested the expeditious processing of paperwork and agreements for the four new helicopters. He stressed that the introduction of these larger, more advanced helicopters would significantly enhance service quality and reliability for the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.