HimVani
Shimla (Jan 13) As many as 263 people have been evacuated after tribal chopper flights in Himachal Pradesh were resumed here today for the snowbound districts of Himachal Pradesh.
A spokesman of the State Government said here today that committed to provide helicopter services in snow bound areas on priority, Government was using leased helicopter in the public interest and tribal sorties were being scheduled on the basis of requests received by the District Administration.
During on- going winter season, the helicopter sorties had been operated between Killar, Ajog, Stingri, Udaipur, Chamba, Sissu to Bhuntar in Kullu in which more than 263 people and four dead bodies were evacuated to safer places said the spokesman.
He said that sorties for tribal areas could not takeoff on January 9, 2011 due to bad weather. He said that mandatory rest was allowed to the crew members on 11th January, 2011 as per DCCA regulations.
Four helicopter flights have been scheduled for Lahaul to evacuate the persons to Kullu on January 13 and January 14, he informed.
The principle of first come- first serve was being followed but aged persons; women, children, patients, persons appearing for examinations etc. were being given preference, he added.
He said that in event of cancellation of the whole flight schedule for the day or a particular schedule of the day, passengers booked in such flights were sent through special flights that were arranged and announced separately and booking of subsequent scheduled flights would not undergo change.
The spokesman said that government is charging subsidized rate of Rs. 1500 for locals people and Government officials (posted and deputed in tribal areas) meanwhile it charges Rs. 700 from The patient and Rs. 7000 per passenger for normal flights.
The ratio of seat distribution for employees and local/other people is made as far as possible Killar and Keylong 50:50, Udaipur 40:60, Kaza 40:60, Sagnam 30:70 and all other stations in Lahaul & Pangi 30:70, he said.
The Liaison Officer had been appointed at Bhuntar, Udaipur, Baring, Stingri, Rawa, Killar, Chamba, Ajog, Saach, Tindi, Tandi, Tingret, Jispa and Sissu to manifest the load of passengers and their names be intimated.
