Sri Vijaya Puram, March 02: Mr. G. Bhasker, Chairman of the Campaign Committee, Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC) has written to the Lt. Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands expressing deep concern over the recent Pawan Hans helicopter crash near Mayabunder.
In his letter addressed to the Lt. Governor, Mr. G Bhasker referred to the tragic crash of the Pawan Hans Limited (PHL) Dauphin N3 helicopter that reportedly occurred on February 24 due to a “technical snag” in the aircraft. The helicopter was carrying five passengers and two crew members at the time of the incident.
He highlighted that Mrs. Nambi Amma, a resident of Mayabunder who was seriously injured in the crash and later shifted to Port Blair for advanced treatment, unfortunately passed away on February 27. The other injured passengers are currently undergoing treatment. Mr. Bhasker stated that the tragic loss has deeply shaken the island community.
According to the letter, helicopters operating in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been in service for decades, and the safety of islanders—who rely heavily on helicopter services for medical emergencies and inter-island connectivity—must not be compromised under any circumstances.
Mr. Bhasker also reminded the Lt. Governor of his address delivered on January 26, 2025, at Netaji Stadium, wherein it was announced that four Sikorsky helicopters with a 12-passenger capacity had arrived in Sri Vijaya Puram for the upgradation of helicopter services and would begin regular operations after completion of formalities. Nearly a year after the announcement, he questioned why the helicopters are still not operational. He further stated that there are concerns that due to clearance issues, these helicopters may have been diverted for use in mainland cities, which, if true, is a serious matter.
The letter emphasized that the recent crash once again underscores the urgent need for modernization of the helicopter fleet in the Islands. Mr. Bhasker has requested a thorough and transparent inquiry into the crash and called for the procurement and deployment of technologically advanced helicopters exclusively for island operations.
Stating that helicopter services are not a luxury but a lifeline for the geographically isolated Islands, Mr. Bhasker sought the immediate and personal intervention of the Lt. Governor to safeguard the lives of the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
