Landing of President’s helicopter on newly-laid turf triggers row

A minor row erupted after reports claimed that an IAF helicopter carrying President Droupadi Murmu partially settled on an unset concrete helipad shortly after landing at the Pramadom indoor stadium here on Wednesday. Authorities, however, dismissed any suggestion of a security breach.

Images showing the police and Fire and Rescue Services personnel pushing the helicopter fuelled speculation and criticism. The chopper had originally been scheduled to land at Nilakkal, but unfavourable weather forced a last-minute change.

Officials clarified that the helipad had been completed only hours before the President’s arrival, and its surface had not fully set due to damp weather. Despite this, the landing was cleared by security and ground coordination staff.

Pathanamthitta Collector S. Prem Krishnan explained that the incident resulted from a slight shift in the helicopter’s tail during landing. “The H mark, at the centre of the landing area, required proper concreting, and the outer portions were slightly softer. When the tail touched this area, it caused a minor tyre marking. Had there been any safety concern, the aircraft would not have been cleared for takeoff from the same spot later in the evening,” he said.

The Collector added that personnel were pushing the helicopter at the pilot’s request to reposition it accurately on the H mark. Konni legislator K.U. Janessh Kumar, present at the site, also dismissed reports of the chopper getting stuck.

“The helicopter had moved slightly backward upon landing. During take off, the rotor could have stirred-up dust and debris. The pilot instructed security personnel to move it to the centre of the helipad. No damage occurred,” he said.

The incident, however, drew sharp public attention after visuals circulated online showing personnel manually pushing the helicopter. The police later cleared mediapersons from the area citing security protocol.