Kolkata, Feb 28 – The Airports Authority of India (AAI) conducted a full-scale search and rescue (SAR) operation on Friday, simulating an aircraft distress scenario in West Bengal’s Howrah district. The exercise, part of the National Aeronautical Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX 2025), aimed to assess emergency preparedness and inter-agency coordination.
The operation saw participation from multiple agencies, including Kolkata Air Traffic Control (ATC), the Indian Air Force, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the District Disaster Management Authority, and local administrative bodies.
Simulated Aircraft Emergency and Response
The drill simulated a distress situation involving a fictitious flight traveling from Raipur to Kolkata that disappeared from radar over Jamshedpur. In response, Kolkata ATC activated the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC), which immediately alerted all relevant agencies. The RCC then initiated a coordinated SAR operation upon receiving a distress signal.To simulate the missing aircraft, a Cessna 172 plane was represented by a yellow-colored wooden replica. A designated crash site was pre-established at Uluberia in Howrah district for the drill.
Coordinated Search Efforts and Rescue Operations
A helicopter from Barrackpore in North 24 Parganas district was deployed to locate the simulated wreckage. The mock crash site, featuring a small yellow wreckage surrounded by bystanders, was successfully identified from the air.Rescue teams quickly reached the site, evacuating all five simulated passengers and providing them with medical aid. Officials highlighted that the drill efficiently demonstrated emergency response coordination and resource deployment.
AAI Lauds Operational Efficiency
An AAI spokesperson emphasized the success of the exercise, stating, “The drill effectively showcased the efficiency of coordinated emergency response procedures among all participating agencies.”Kolkata RCC confirmed that the operation was carried out smoothly, providing valuable insights into preparedness, decision-making, and operational efficiency in managing aviation emergencies.
SAREX 2025 Seminar and Leadership Participation
The exercise was conducted in the presence of Nivedita Dubey, Regional Executive Director of AAI’s Eastern Region, and T F Moosa, Executive Director (Air Space Management), along with other senior AAI officials.As part of SAREX 2025, a seminar was held in Kolkata on the opening day, bringing together experts to discuss the latest SAR technologies, best practices, and the importance of inter-agency collaboration.
The successful execution of this large-scale drill underscores India’s commitment to enhancing aeronautical search and rescue capabilities through rigorous training and collaboration.
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