The notice alleges that the young man was trapped in the mountains, did not notify top officials in a timely manner, failed to deploy the necessary staff, and failed to provide technical assistance.
Palakkad, First Published Feb 13, 2022, 2:49 PM IST
Palakkad: Observation that the fire brigade failed in the rescue operation of Babu (Babu Rescue) who was trapped in the Malampuzha Cherat hills. Palakkad District Fire Officer was issued a show cause notice by the Director of Fire and Rescue. Critics say that despite the media coverage of the young man being trapped in the mountains, there was no proper intervention.
The notice alleges that top officials were not notified in a timely manner, did not deploy the required staff and failed to provide technical assistance. The fire brigade sought an explanation from Ritij. The rescue operation, which began on Monday when Babu was trapped, ended on Wednesday. Babu was brought home on Friday after a two-day hospital stay.
At the same time, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) estimates that it cost the state exchequer Rs 3 crore to release Babu. Coast Guard helicopters, Air Force helicopters, Army teams, NDRF, police, fire force, etc. alone cost half a crore rupees. The district administration estimates that the expenditure will be around Rs.
‘No problem, no problem’; Babu was trapped in the mountain and finally left the hospital
From Monday to Wednesday, the services of about 500 policemen in the district were fully utilized. A 40-member fire brigade from Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam and Idukki districts, a 21-member Thunderbolt team, two 25-member NDRF units, various NGOs and more than 50 locals took part in the 45-hour rescue operation.
A nine-member team from the Army’s Madras Regimental Center reached the spot by road. The 21-member Para Commandos from Bangalore landed at the Sulur military base in Coimbatore and reached Malampuzha by road. Helicopters from the Coast Guard and Sulur air base were also used for the rescue mission. It is for the first time in the history of the state that so much money has to be spent by the exchequer on an individual rescue operation alone.
Last Updated Feb 13, 2022, 3:08 PM IST
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