Mumbai: A day after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis survived yet another chopper mishap at Alibaug, action is likely to be initiated against the aviation company responsible for operating the State air transport fleet for VIPs.
Officials confirmed to The Hindu that the government has taken formal note of the incident, which took place just a month after two similar incidents in May: one due to engine failure in Maoist-affected Gadchiroli district, and the other during take-off from Nilanga village in Latur.
In a meeting of top government officials held late on Friday at Varsha, the CM’s official residence, concerns were raised by the Home Department, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the General Administration Department (GAD). Sources said Mr. Fadnavis was visibly displeased with the carelessness shown repeatedly by ground staff and pilots, and issued a strong warning to private aircraft operator. “We will decide on action against those responsible next week, but one thing is sure: some responsibility will be fixed,” a government official said.
The meeting also discussed the need for enhanced security in air travel by VIPs, and concerns over technical issues plaguing the Bel-230 helicopter Mr. Fadnavis was travelling by on Friday. Officials said the helicopter was purchased from the Uttar Pradesh government and was nearly 20 years old. “Why does the CM have to travel frequently by such an old helicopter? The same aircraft developed a snag in Gadchiroli,” they said.
With its own aircraft fleet grounded, the State government relies on private firms for VIP travel. The State-owned fleet comprises four aircraft: a Citation Excel plane, a Dauphin helicopter, the Sirkosky helicopter which crash-landed in Latur, and a Beechcraft Super King Air 350 in working condition.
