Ranchi: The Jharkhand government will undertake a pilot project to construct helipads at police stations in two districts worst affected by the Maoist violence, an official spokesperson said Friday.
"Under the project, helipads will be constructed at police stations in Palamau and Chatra districts. These will be used for anti-Maoist operations," S.N. Pradhan, Jharkhand police spokesperson, told reporters.
A senior police official, involved in anti-Maoist operations, said: "In Palamau and Chatra districts, it is difficult to move in deep jungle areas as the Maoist rebels have planted landmines. The geographical terrain of both the districts favour the rebels. The construction of helipads will help in the movement of security forces."
According to sources, Jharkhand government could plan such helipads in other districts also.
Maoist guerrillas are active in 18 of the state's 24 districts. Nearly 1,550 people have been killed in Maoist-related violence in the past eight years.
IANS
First Published: Friday, September 11, 2009, 14:54