From airshows to saving lives..
HYDERABAD: The Indian Air Force's Sarang team has won many hearts with their acrobatic display at various airshows since its inception in 2003. Now, it also won the gratitude of pilgrims atranded in Uttarakhand.
When the call of duty came for rescue and relief operations in the worst hit Kedarnath valley, the team rose to the occasion, literally.
According to commanding officer Wing Commander Ravi Pathak, the team with five modified Dhruv helicopters, also known as ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter), from the Air Force Station-Sulur in Coimbatore, were at the Airforce Academy, Dundigal, for the combined graduation parade, when orders were issued for their participation in rescue operations.
Pathak, told over phone from Kedarnath on Thursday that it has been a very hectic operation. With countless sorties everyday, the team has rescued about 1,500 pilgrims from Kedarnath valley alone.
'We have come together from different parts of the country, about 45 helicopters and some aircraft, for possibly the biggest ever rescue operation by defence forces,' he said.
The Sarang helicopter has a capacity of 14 people and around 60 Air Force commandos have been working day and night to rescue pilgrims.
'Kedar valley is narrow and is the worst hit area. We had to construct new helipads and battle bad weather. We had to apply all our skills and training for this operation and till the last man is rescued, we are going to be here,' said Pathak.
According to him, their primary tasks are immediate rescue of pilgrims from areas cut off completely and supply of materials. Asked about the locals, who are going to stay there, while the pilgrims are shifted, he said, 'If we are asked to stay back for relief and rehabilitation of locals, we will certainly do it.'
As for the details of his team members, he said, 'We are not about individual identities. We are known as a team.'
News Posted: 28 June, 2013
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