Second helicopter to Union Territory of Lakshadweep to be provided by Pawan Hans

New Delhi, July 3 : The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for providing a second helicopter by Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited for Lakshadweep Administration's emergency requirement including maintenance of law and order, and inter-island services during monsoon.

The helicopter will be stationed at Kavaratti.

Pawan Hans Helicopter Limited, a public service undertaking under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has been providing helicopter service with one helicopter only to Lakshadweep Administration on lease basis with effect from February 1,1987, which is subsidized by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Initially, the arrangement was for five years and has subsequently been extended for further five-year periods.

The latest extension has been approved till March 31, 2012, involving a subsidy of Rs. 1310.31 lakhs per annum.

ANI