Maha cops get copter for anti-Naxal ops

In a real shot in the arm for security forces in the Left-wing extremism-affected areas, the Maharashtra government has approved the purchase of a helicopter for police use in Gadchiroli and Chandrapur in Vidarbha.

The helicopter will be used for deployment during anti-Naxal operations and as an air ambulance.

The decision was taken at a state cabinet meeting on Thursday. Earlier, rotor wing craft would be hired by the state government for use in these areas, which caused a greater financial outgo.

The cabinet has also approved the purchase of a helicopter for the movement of VIPs such as the governor and the chief minister. It will replace the Sikorsky S-76C++ chopper that met with a mishap in Latur this year while ferrying CM Devendra Fadnavis. The new helicopter will be partly financed from the insurance compensation payout for the ill-fated chopper.

Disposal of the Eurocopter AS365N3 Dauphin helicopter purchased in 2001 for Rs 23 crore not in use since 2010 was also approved in the meeting. Chief Secretary Sumit Mullick said they would hand over the helicopter to educational institutions or aviation schools. The Dauphin, which can seat six plus two passengers, had been grounded after flying for 2,201 hours since the DGCA had asked for modern security equipment in helicopters ferrying VIPs. The state cabinet in 2016 had decided to refurbish the chopper for use but dropped the plan due to the high costs involved.

GOING OUT

• Eurocopter AS365N3 Dauphin purchased in 2001 for Rs 23 crore
   
• Sikorsky S-76C++ bought in December 2011 for Rs 55 crore
   
• Fixed wing Cessna Citation 560 XLS bought in 2008 for Rs 67 crore