Itanagar, Jul 4: The Arunachal Pradesh Government on Saturday carried out a major aerial relief operation in the flood-affected Koyu circle of Lower Siang district, airlifting 11.5 metric tonnes of rice and evacuating four patients as part of its ongoing disaster response efforts.
The operation was undertaken by the Department of Civil Aviation under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu and monitored by the Chief Secretary, following a requisition from the Deputy Commissioner of Lower Siang district.
Using the State-leased SkyOne Mi-172 helicopter, the department conducted four sorties from Pasighat to Koyu, transporting 230 bags of rice, equivalent to 11.5 metric tonnes, to villages cut off by flash floods. A trial flight was conducted before the relief sorties to assess the designated landing zone.
Besides delivering essential food supplies, the helicopter also evacuated four patients from Koyu to Pasighat for medical treatment.
The operation was carried out in coordination with the Departments of Disaster Management, Food and Civil Supplies, Health and Family Welfare, Police, the Indian Air Force, and the district administrations of Lower Siang and East Siang.
The Department of Civil Aviation appreciated the efforts of the pilots, crew members, frontline workers, and all participating agencies for ensuring the successful execution of the relief mission despite challenging conditions.
The department also informed that a total of 91 passengers were airlifted from remote areas of Daporijo, Koloriang, and Ziro during the day, as helicopter services continued to support connectivity and emergency needs in inaccessible regions.
The department expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Civil Aviation Minister Balo Raja, Food and Civil Supplies Minister GabrielD Wangsu, Nari-Koyu MLA Tojir Kadu, and the Chief Secretary for their guidance and support in ensuring timely relief for flood-affected communities.