IAF deploys Dhruv for rescue ops in Maharastra

New Delhi, Aug 6 (UNI) The indigenously-built Advanced Light Helicopter 'Dhruv' -- which had been grounded following detection of certain faults in its design -- is back in action, in rescue and relief operations in flood-hit parts of central India.

''We have stepped up our rescue and relief operations in flood-hit areas of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, despite the inclement weather,'' IAF spokesman Wing Cdr Mahesh Upasani told UNI today.

The force has pressed into action almost ten rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft, flown in from nearby bases, in the endeavour, he said, adding the force was carrying out sorties whenever there was even a slight let-up in the torrential rain in the area.

''We have so far carried out 102 sorties, rescuing hundreds of people and heli-lifting over 75 tonnes of relief material,'' Wing Cdr Upasani said.

In Chhattisgarh, two Mi-8 helicopters and one An-32 transport aircraft, flown in from the Gorakhpur airbase, are operating from Jagdalpur and Raipur respectively, while, in Maharashtra, one 'Dhruv', two Chetaks and one Mi-8 are operating from Nanded, in rain-lashed Marathwada.

Meanwhile, two Mi-8s, operating from Bhadrachalam, are conducting relief and rescue operations in Andhra Pradesh, he added.

The entire operation is being co-ordinated from the Air Headquarters here with with Principal Director, Operations Air Cmde S P Singh, personally monitoring the activities, Wing Cdr Upasani added.

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