Helicopters on standby for rescue operations in Kathmandu Valley

The Home Ministry and Nepal Airlines Operators Association on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to immediately deploy helicopters for search and rescue operations during disasters in the Kathmandu Valley.

Representatives of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) under the Home Ministry and the Airlines Operators Association signed the MoU in the presence of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhar.

The agreement is valid for one year and can be renewed with mutual consent. NDRRMA Executive Director Engineer Dinesh Prasad Bhatt and Airlines Operators Association President Manoj Karki signed the agreement.

As per the MoU, the association will ensure that helicopters are deployed free of cost for search and rescue in the Kathmandu Valley in times of disaster.

In such emergency situations where lives of people are at risk, private helicopter companies will be mobilized under their social responsibility. The association will appoint private helicopter service providers on a rotation basis each day to be on standby for rescue operations. The details of the designated helicopter companies and their contact persons will be regularly updated and shared with the Ministry of Home Affairs and NDRRMA.

The designated helicopter service providers will have to promptly respond to written or verbal requests from the Ministry of Home Affairs to operate rescue flights in disaster-affected areas. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) will also be informed to coordinate and facilitate these flights. If helicopter deployment is required outside Kathmandu Valley, the companies will operate at the lowest cost keeping in mind their corporate social responsibility. The government will reimburse the helicopter charges on submission of bills and proof of flight authorized by the ministry and related documents.

To ensure timely deployment, a coordination committee will be formed consisting of representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, NDRRMA, CAAN and Airlines Operators Association. After the signing, Home Minister Lekhar described the initiative as a commendable start. He said, "We are in the early stages of the monsoon and there has already been a lot of loss of life and property.

We are vigilant for the safety of the people." He further added, "The Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force are actively engaged in disaster response and rescue operations." Minister Lekhak thanked the Airlines Operators Association for its commitment to assist during disasters and emphasized Nepal's vulnerability to natural disasters, especially earthquakes, and the importance of preparedness for the safety of citizens.