After CM’s 2 chopper accidents, Maharashtra government to check how safe helipads are

The move comes after the issue was raised by Congress MLC Sharad Ranpise, who said he was concerned over the condition of landing sites in Maharashtra

Weeks after chief minister Devendra Fadnavis survived two helicopter accidents, the Maharashtra government plans to undertake an audit of helipads across the state.

The state also plans to introduce a handbook detailing a standard operating procedure to provide security to VIPs. (HT File Photo)

The state also plans to introduce a handbook detailing a standard operating procedure to provide security to VIPs.

The move comes after the issue was raised by Congress MLC Sharad Ranpise, who said he was concerned over the condition of landing sites in the state. “Helicopters are being grounded near high-tension wires and transformers. This is risky,” he said.

Fadnavis said a policy is in the process of being framed.

Read: Watch: Maharashtra CM’s helicopter crash-lands, Devendra Fadnavis safe

“Earlier, helipads were constructed on vast stretches of land. However, residential buildings have sprung up in such areas now. We will conduct an audit and not permit helicopters to land in unauthorised locations,” said Fadnavis.

He added that an SOP handbook will be written by an inspector general, as officers of those ranks generally handle VIP security.

Leader of the Opposition in the state council Dhananjay Munde also said a thorough inquiry was needed into the recent helicopter mishaps. Fadnavis said that Directorate General of Civil Aviation, a regulatory body, was looking into this.

He also announced that the state was in the process of acquiring helicopters on short-term leases, for which a proposal was being prepared.

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