Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The aviation department has empanelled a company for the single-engine Robinson helicopter, ending the forest department’s long wait for the same to catch blackbucks from the Shajapur areas and shift them to the Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.
According to a senior aviation department officer, Jet Serve Aviation Pvt Ltd was finalised three to four days ago, and the forest department has been informed about the development. Sources in the aviation department said the company will charge around Rs 3 lakh per hour for providing the helicopter.
The department had floated a tender twice to zero in on the company. Jet Serve had participated in the first bid as well, but at that time, its rate was quite high, around Rs 3.5 lakh per hour. Finding the bids quite high, the government floated the tender again, finally awarding it to Jet Serve.
Blackbucks and blue bulls
The problem of blackbucks and blue bulls has increased by leaps and bounds in the Shajapur area and even in the Ratlam district. Their herds enter fields and destroy the crops.
Farmers have raised their voice against this, and the issue has rocked the Assembly multiple times. The forest department plans to catch blackbucks with the help of the Robinson chopper and translocate them to Kuno and even the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, adding to the prey base of the cheetah.
Experts from SA
Almost a year ago, the forest department roped in a team of South African experts to catch blackbucks. The experts had even sent the necessary equipment to Shajapurvia the sea route.
Forest dept failed
Earlier, the forest department tried to float a tender to get the Robinson helicopter but failed to attract any company. Then, it approached the aviation department for help in getting the chopper.
