Mumbai: Maharashtra will soon take help from foreign aviation experts to frame a new helipad policy, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced in the Legislative Council on Wednesday.
Speaking on the debate over the recent spate of helicopter mishaps, most involving the CM’s own team, Mr. Fadnavis said that while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating the recent incidents at Alibaug, the new policy will identify suitable landing spots across the State.
An independent agency will also conduct an audit of the existing air strips, small terminals and helipads, the Chief Minister said. “It was an unfortunate incident (at Alibaug), but we are already conducting a probe. A committee has been formed to scientifically identify suitable landing spots across the State for helicopters. So far, we did not have any policy in this regard,” he said.
Mr. Fadnavis said two foreign experts have also been appointed on the committee. He was speaking during a debate in the Upper House over repeated accidents involving VIP helicopters.
The CM recently survived yet another helicopter mishap at Alibaug, raising questions on the quality and safety of helicopters used for VVIP operations. The helicopter had taken off unexpectedly, and its rotors, in full swing, had nearly brushed Mr. Fadnavis and his personal assistant walking towards it.
