Sri Vijaya Puram, June 3: The family of Nandiamma, one of the victims of the recent helicopter crash near Mayabunder, may receive additional assistance from the administration after the matter was raised before Lieutenant Governor D K Joshi by newly elected North and Middle Andaman Zilla Parishad member Algar Swamy.
During an interaction with the Lieutenant Governor, Algar Swamy urged the administration to extend further support to the bereaved family, stating that while compensation had already been provided, additional rehabilitation measures were necessary. He specifically requested that employment assistance be considered for Nandiamma’s son to help the family cope with the long-term impact of the tragedy.
The Lieutenant Governor assured that the matter would be examined and that the necessary procedures would be followed to provide appropriate assistance to the family.
The request comes in the aftermath of the helicopter accident that occurred off the coast of Mayabunder on February 24 this year. A Pawan Hans helicopter carrying seven persons, including an infant and two pilots, made a forced landing in the sea near Thota Tikrey Island after developing difficulties during its flight.
The incident triggered a large-scale rescue operation involving personnel from the Forest Department, Police Marine Force, Indian Reserve Battalion, Coast Guard and local residents. All occupants were initially rescued from the sea and shifted to the District Hospital in Mayabunder. Rescue teams were widely praised for their swift response and coordinated efforts in bringing passengers and crew to safety under challenging conditions.
However, despite rescue and medical intervention, Nandiamma later succumbed to injuries and complications linked to the incident, making her the lone fatality associated with the crash. Her death had sparked concerns among residents and local representatives regarding long-term support for affected family members.
The administration had reportedly provided compensation of ₹1.5 lakh to the family. During the recent interaction with the Lieutenant Governor, Algar Swamy requested that additional relief measures were warranted, given the family’s circumstances. He requested that a government job be considered for the victim’s son as a means of financial security and rehabilitation.
The Lieutenant Governor’s assurance has raised hopes among family members and local residents that further support could be extended through existing government provisions after due examination of the case.
The helicopter incident remains one of the most significant aviation-related emergencies witnessed in North and Middle Andaman in recent years, drawing attention to both the effectiveness of emergency response mechanisms and the challenges faced by families affected by such tragedies.
