Bhopal: In a meeting of Aviation department, headed by Chief Minister Kamal Nath, it was decided that the state government would sell out its two helicopters. The state currently has one aircraft and three helicopters. Two of these helicopters have double engines and one has single engine. Helicopter Bell 407 (single engine) and Bell 430 (double engine) would be sold out. An attempt to sell Bell 407 was made by the previous government too but it could happen because of not getting offset price. Bell 407 was bought in 2003 for 47.56 Lakh US Dollars. It was put on sale on an offset price of Rs 9 crores but it failed to fetch any buyer then. Attempt to reduce the price would be made this time.
Bell 430 was bought in 1998 for 51.54 lakh US Dollars. Nath said either both helicopters should be sold to buy a new one or a helicopter could be hired on rent. Nath said any decision which would not put any financial burden on the government should be taken. A discussion on expansion of air strip at Chhindwara was also held. Around 18 houses are coming in way for the expansion. Nath said the matter should be discussed with the owners of these houses and could be given land, compensation and be rehabilitated. Earlier decision was pending because of elections but Nath directed the officials to take swift action in the matter.
