A felicitation ceremony was organised today at the Headquarters Eastern Air Command, Shillong for Indian Air Force personnel involved in the Deoghar ropeway rescue operations that saved the lives of 46 people stuck inside cable cars on the ropeway.
The operations carried out at Trikut, Jharkhand from April 10 to 12 was considered as one of the most challenging operations undertaken by the Indian Air Force as it was not only time sensitive but also required a high level of coordination amongst various Defence , Central and State forces.
A statement here today said that the site was located in a remote area from any major town or Defence establishment and had tough geographical conditions .The design of the ropeway/cable car with its network of wires coupled with associated rotor downwash tested the pilots, Garud Commandos and the helicopters to the limits. The dare devilry of the aircrew and the Garuds in the entire operation was exemplary.
EAC Commanding in Chief, Air Marshal DK Patnaik felicitated and interacted with the brave air warriors and praised their heroic efforts for the rescue without fearing for their own life. He said that his heart swells with pride and that they had made the entire nation proud by their actions.