PANAJI: The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has announced it would begin the much talked about Aguada helicopter rides on Tuesday even as locals continue to complain of damage to the heritage area. The first ride will take off at 10 am on Tuesday with ride durations of 10 and 15 minutes.
In a statement issued by the department, GTDC has asserted the Aguada helipad had been in existence for 30 years and was had been catering to regular landing of helicopters.
“The helipad is more than 300 meters away from the Aguada heritage area and does not endanger any heritage structure. In case the local body desires to protect the heritage area at Aguada it should clear out all illegal kiosks and vending activities taking place within 50 meters of the Aguada heritage structure,” said Sanjay Chodnekar, General Manager of GTDC.
The department has also raised caution to anyone taking the law into their own hands as being “dealt with seriously.” They also announced work on the existing helipad that would be used for the rides was nearing completion. The project is part of a joint venture between Government of India enterprise operating helicopter rides, Pawan Hans and GTDC.
GTDC Chairman Nilesh Cabral said that he too failed to understand the rationale behind opposition to the helicopter joy ride service commencing in Goa from Aguada.
“This new initiative will put Goa in the limelight and benefit the State and the locals immensely. The helicopter joy rides will not cause any noise pollution or disturb residential areas. The helicopter sorties will begin from 10 am to 4 pm and each joy ride duration of 10 to 15 minutes which will not affect the area nor its residents. Pawan Hans and GTDC have worked hard to commence this new venture and we appeal to the locals to co-operate and make it a huge success.”
Pawan Hans on the other hand has assured the helicopters had no threat of noise pollution pointing out that the Bell-206 helicopter which is being deployed for joy rides is a two bladed single engine helicopter with extremely low noise signatures as compared to any other machine. The helicopters are being flown at more than 500 ft. above the ground level which further reduces the noise.
Hence the noise of a helicopter is much less than other commercial airline, explained technical personnel of Pawan Hans. It was further pointed out that the landing and take-off phase is about 30 to 40 seconds and the down draft of the rotor (air) does not damage the flora and fauna of the area. The landing is being done on a hard surface which does not transmit any vibration to the surrounding area.
