Guwahati, June 25: The BSF has opened its sixth airbase at LGBI Airport in Guwahati, giving a boost to its operational capability during disasters and counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast.
The air wing of BSF already has five such airbases in New Delhi, Ranchi, Raipur, Agartala and Srinagar.
BSF officials at its Guwahati Frontier headquarters told The Telegraph today that the airbase was opened yesterday at a hangar in the new apron area of the airport here at Borjhar. The frontier headquarters is situated at Patgaon, about 5km from the airport.
"This hangar and associated aerodrome facilities will enable us to undertake independent maintenance and the flying operation of MI-17 V5 aircraft on short notice. This will also facilitate emergency medical evacuation of security personnel," the official said.
He added that the ministry of home affairs had approved operation of three MI-V5 helicopters of Russian origin, from the new airbase.
"The development of an airbase in close proximity to our Patgaon camp will definitely enhance our operational capability. We have already conducted the flying trials from the new airbase. This base will function under the administrative and functional control of the BSF but it will provide air support to all other central paramilitary police forces such as Central Reserve Police Force and Sashastra Seema Bal," a statement issued by the Guwahati Frontier headquarters of the BSF said today.
The BSF guards India-Bangladesh border in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and north Bengal but it faces maximum challenges in the riverine borders with Bangladesh in lower Assam's Dhubri district.
"Earlier we had to rely on air support from the army, air force or others for quick deployment of forces during disasters or evacuation and this airbase has fulfilled that requirement," said the official.
The development comes days before army's massive flood emergency rescue drill to be carried out in Guwahati from Tuesday to Thursday. The drill will include use of unmanned aerial vehicle or drones for detection of disaster victims and use of helicopters for rescue and distribution of relief materials, among others.
