Chopper on rent for Naxal-affected areas in Maharahstra

The home department of Maharashtra has decided to borrow a helicopter on rent for the naxal affected areas, after it realised that the purchase deal could delay the chopper plan by a year. The central government has said it will bear the cost.

Home minister RR Patil said on Thursday that the department would invite interested parties to lease out a helicopter with the specification finalised by the department.

The department has decided to engage M-17 helicopter with the capacity of 16 persons and structure that can be able to cope with a naxal attack.

The state cabinet had already given a nod to purchase a helicopter for security forces deployed in the naxal affected areas in Vidarbha. However, the helicopter with the specification finalised by the department takes around a year for delivery. 

This has made the department borrow the chopper for immediate use.

The security forces currently borrow a chopper from Chhatisgarh for emergencies. However the chopper can carry only six to seven people.

“The helicopter is not used for combing or any other operations following court orders. However, it is very useful for the deployment of forces to various areas and proves valuable in providing the medical help in case of naxal attacks,” Patil said.

“Though Centre has agreed to bear the cost, the operational cost has to be borne by the state.”

Patil admitted that the naxal activities in the state have risen in last two months. “We have deployed adequate forces, with the maximum number of CRPF personnel from Centre,” he said.