All airlines asked to help in relief operations in Bihar

New Delhi, Sep 3 (UNI) In view of the unprecedented floods in Bihar, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed all the airlines to help transport relief material and essential supplies to Patna.

The direction was given at a meeting yesterday, attended by representatives from Air India, Alliance Air, Jet Airways-JetLite, Deccan Aviation Ltd., Spicejet, IndiGo and MDLR Airlines. A representative of the Bihar Government was also present, an official release said today.

The DGCA also asked the airlines to consider discounting the freight rates for transportation of relief material such as food items, medicines, and clothings from voluntary organisations and NGOs.

It was emphasised that airlines at present engaged in transportation of relief items should route them through the Resident Commissioner's officer on priority.

Airlines were also asked to advise their station in-charges at Patna to be in touch with representatives of the Bihar Government for quick transportation from airports.

Airlines were advised that while transporting such shipments, they must ensure that existing practices such as security drill and handling of dangerous goods were followed.

Airlines were also informed that in case they were making unscheduled landings at Patna for relief operations, they would be accorded necessary clearance promptly.

Contact numbers of the airlines representatives have been given to the representative of Resident Commissioner's office, Bihar Government, for coordination.

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