Kerala has been hit by the worst flood in a hundred years and the central and state governments have been busy in relentless rescue and relief operations. The Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA) on Saturday, reportedly came forward and offered help by writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing its willingness to fly planes to Kerala on a ‘voluntary basis’ in the larger interest of the affected people in the state.
The association in their letter stated that “We are willing to fly the planes without payment on a voluntary basis to the cause of these operations. We consider this a unique privilege that we can use to assist in such operations.”
The letter which came a day after the pilots threatened to stop operations if their flying allowance dues were not paid immediately, further stated,“We have full faith that Sir you will surely turn your attention to the plight of Air India and Air Indians once calm is restored.”
While in this situation of extreme disaster, there has been a certain section of liberals trying to misrepresent facts and paint the tragedy in various colours of regionalism to suit their political agenda, with, of course, the Congress President Rahul Gandhi heading the list, it is rather overwhelming that the Air India pilots have kept their no-flying-allowance-no-flying stir on hold and offered the government their full support.
“ICPA pilots on the Airbus 320 and Boeing 787 in Air India are ready and committed to the cause of Operation Madad and Operation Sahyog. We will support the government and the PMO in the endeavour to help our fellow citizens in Kerala,” the letter said. The letter also reportedly adds that the pilots are willing to put themselves at the country’s command and will work in operating extra flights be it ferrying passengers or carrying relief material.
Amidst the disastrous situations in the state, news of valiant rescue operations have been pouring in and the expertise and care with which the armed forces are handling the grave situation are being praised in mainstream and social media.
The Indian armed forces have been carrying out intense relief work in Kerala and the ‘Operation Madad’ launched by all forces together has already entered its 11th day. On 17th August, the Army, Navy, Airforce, coast guard and NDRF were ordered to mobilize all their additional resources to Kerala to help citizens.
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