The Hindu : National : IAF finds new use for mid-air refuellers

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Feb 24, 2005

National

National

IAF finds new use for mid-air refuellers

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, FEB. 23. The Indian Air Force (IAF) today pressed into service its mid-air refuellers to combat the energy crisis in the snow-bound areas of Jammu and Kashmir due to disruption of surface routes. Two IL-78 refuellers took off from Agra and by evening had transported over 50,000 litres of kerosene and petrol to Jammu and Kashmir.

Soldiers positioned in the second line of defence along the Line of Control (LoC) along with specialised counter-insurgency troops from the Rashtriya Rifles continued digging into avalanches that had flattened hamlets in many parts of the State. Soldiers also supplied rations, medicines and blankets to those rendered homeless by the avalanches.

In an innovative move, the IAF converted two of its mid-air refuellers into gigantic kerosene and petrol tankers to deliver the much-needed fuel to the affected State. The recently acquired planes, which were normally used to replenish fighter aircraft in mid-air, loaded fuel from Chandigarh and Pathankot after authorities felt that transporting liquefied petroleum gas cylinders would be risky. Officials said similar sorties would be carried out over the next few days.

In addition, the IAF has so far carried to safety 25,000 people, including soldiers, paramilitary personnel and civilians. It will continue with the deployment of six AN-32 medium transport aircraft, two IL-76 heavy transport aircraft and 12 helicopters for evacuation operations and emergency dropping of rations and medicines.

However, the Army is playing the major role. Besides holding on to the winter positions all along the LoC in this weather, the Army is despatching its columns to scenes of avalanches taking place in all the three regions of the State — Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Reports from the State spoke of the Army presence in digging and relief operations in a large number of places, including a hamlet in Qazigund, where 40 bodies have been recovered. Troops have set up supply points in some areas and asked nomadic shepherds scattered in the upper reaches to approach these places for food and medical assistance. Medical camps have also been set up at some places to treat frostbite victims who trudged long distances through the snow looking for help.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National