ONI Bureau: Former BJD MP Baijayant Panda has issued an appeal to Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik seeking unsealing of the IMFA Hangar in Bhubaneswar so that all 3 helicopters lying idle can be utilized for rescue and relief operations in the state.
The appeal came in the wake of reports that Odisha Government has sought two helicopters from Vizag to be deployed in Cyclone Title and flood-ravaged Ganjam district in relief operations. The choppers will be used in Aska and Purushottampur which are under flood waters. It can be recalled that Jay Panda had earlier in the past flown over his constituency with relief materials, mostly during floods.
“#CycloneTitli “Odisha Govt seeks helicopters for rescue & relief operations” I urge @Naveen_Odisha to unseal the Bhubaneswar hangar whr 3 helicopters are lying idle, against 1 of which thr was a (false) allegation of low flying. As in past, I’d personally fly relief/rescue sorties”, tweeted Baijayant Panda.
The IMFA Hangar at the Bhubaneswar Airport was sealed by the Odisha Government on the allegations of violation of environmental norms over Chilika Lake, which was vehemently denied by Jay Panda. The DGCA, which is probing the matter, is yet to submit its report.