Shimla | TNR
The new helicopter rented out by the state government for Chief Minister Jairam Thakur has developed technical snags and hence has been deemed unfit for use.
The chopper was rented out from a Russian company Sky One in July. Following the technical problem, a smaller helicopter has been sent by the contracting company to Shimla.
Engineers are being brought in from Russia to repair it.
New chopper used for rescue operation
The new chopper was first used to rescue trapped in Lahaul-Spiti after a cloud burst. The state government is currently paying hiring charges amounting to Rs 5.10 lakh per hour to Sky One.
The new chopper has been a topic of debate and argument for the Opposition, which felt that the state government was going in for the 24 seater helicopter and paying exorbitant at a time when the state’s finances have hit rock bottom.
Earlier, an agreement signed between the Jairam government and Sky One had sealed the deal.
However, with the opposition raising a hue and cry, the dust over the chopper issue settled only after Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj spoke openly to the media and clarified the government’s stand.
