Rescue operations by Air Force during natural disasters: Centre asks Kerala to pay Rs 132.62 crores

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The central government has sent a letter to Kerala seeking the payment of Rs 132.62 crores for the rescue operations carried out by the Air Force during several disasters such as the 2019 floods and the Wayanad landslides. The Air Vice Marshal's letter to the Chief Secretary demands reimbursement for expenses incurred during helicopter rescues and delivery of essential supplies to disaster-affected areas.

The letter seeking the payment comes at a time when the High Court is considering a case regarding the state not receiving central assistance in the Wayanad landslides. The Air Force had provided aid to Kerala on August 30, the day the disaster occurred.

However, the government has not yet made a decision regarding reimbursement of the money. Although the Air Force had previously sent letters requesting reimbursement in such disaster situations, there has been no precedent for such payments. The accounts are usually settled through book adjustments (accounting arrangements).