Post by : Rameen Ariff

In a surprising turn of events, a segment of the helipad at Pramadam collapsed as President Droupadi Murmu’s helicopter arrived during her trip to Kerala on Wednesday. The Mi-17 chopper from the Indian Air Force grounded on the newly constructed helipad, which could not withstand its weight, resulting in visible depressions. Quick action from the police and fire department was required to stabilize the aircraft before it could be safely relocated.

The decision to shift the landing site from Nilackal near Pamba to Pramadam was made last minute due to inclement weather. Officials revealed that the concrete on the helipad had not completely cured, leading to its inability to support the helicopter's weight. “The depressions occurred under the wheels because the concrete was still setting,” explained a senior police officer involved in landing management. Notwithstanding this unexpected issue, President Murmu continued her visit without further disturbance.

Having arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday evening, President Droupadi Murmu is on a four-day official journey in Kerala. She is scheduled to pray at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, making her the first female head of state to perform this sacred ritual there, and only the second president after former President VV Giri, who visited Sabarimala in the 1970s. Her trip has drawn significant attention, reflecting both her historic pilgrimage and the security precautions in place.

After her darshan at Sabarimala, President Murmu will return to Thiruvananthapuram in the evening. Her itinerary includes unveiling a bust of former President KR Narayanan at Raj Bhavan, inaugurating the Mahasamadhi Centenary celebrations for Sree Narayana Guru at Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala, and participating in St. Thomas College's Platinum Jubilee events in Pala, Kottayam district. The conclusion of her Kerala visit is scheduled for October 24, marked by attendance at St. Teresa’s College centenary celebrations in Ernakulam.

The occurrence at the helipad has gathered considerable attention on social media, with images depicting the helicopter briefly caught in the sunken surface. Authorities have confirmed to the public that the incident posed no danger to the President or her team. This sinking has sparked conversations regarding the urgency of proper construction and regular inspections of temporary landing facilities, particularly for significant visitors like the President.

Despite the incident with the helipad, all security and ceremonial arrangements were effectively managed to ensure that President Murmu's official activities proceeded smoothly. Officials have affirmed that insights from this event will contribute to enhancing future helipad infrastructure for visits by state and national dignitaries.

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