Helipad Sinks Under Presidential Chopper in Kerala: Security Protocols Under Scrutiny

Image Source: NDTV

A security lapse occurred in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district when a section of the helipad tarmac partially sank moments after President Droupadi Murmu’s helicopter landed. Emergency personnel manually moved the aircraft to safety. The incident has sparked concerns over VVIP infrastructure readiness and procedural oversight during high-level visits.

A routine presidential visit turned into a moment of concern on Wednesday as President Droupadi Murmu’s helicopter partially sank into the helipad tarmac at Pramadam Stadium in Pathanamthitta, Kerala. The incident occurred shortly after the chopper landed, ahead of her scheduled visit to the Sabarimala temple as part of a four-day tour of the state.

The helipad, reportedly constructed recently at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium grounds, failed to withstand the weight of the aircraft, causing a portion of the surface to cave in. Police and fire personnel present at the site acted swiftly, manually pushing the helicopter to a safer position. Fortunately, no injuries or damage were reported, and the President proceeded with her itinerary as planned.

Major Takeaways:

Incident Details: The helipad surface partially collapsed under the helicopter’s weight, raising questions about construction quality and load-bearing assessment.
Emergency Response: Local police and fire services responded immediately, physically maneuvering the aircraft out of the compromised area.
Presidential Safety: Despite the lapse, President Murmu remained unharmed, and her visit to Sabarimala temple continued without delay.
Visuals Go Viral: Footage of the incident showing officials pushing the helicopter has circulated widely, prompting public concern and media scrutiny.
Infrastructure Oversight: The helipad was reportedly constructed just days before the visit, with critics pointing to insufficient curing time for the concrete base.

Notable Updates:

Security Review Expected: Central agencies are likely to conduct a post-incident audit of VVIP helipad protocols and site readiness procedures.
Political Reactions: Opposition leaders have called for accountability and transparency, urging the government to ensure stringent safety checks for all high-level visits.
Public Sentiment: The incident has reignited debates around infrastructure quality, especially in regions hosting national dignitaries.

While the President’s itinerary remained unaffected, the helipad incident has spotlighted the critical need for robust planning and execution in VVIP logistics, especially in high-profile pilgrimage zones.

Sources: Gulf News, Livemint, Central Chronicle

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