The much awaited BSL lab equipment finally arrived at Dimapur by a special flight of IAF C-17 globemaster with the intervention of Governor of Nagaland R.N. Ravi with India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The total consignment of 18 tons arrived from Mumbai with highly sophisticated equipment needed for BSL-3 to be established at NHAK, Kohima. Along with equipment the technical team was also on board to set up the lab. The flight which was earlier scheduled on 15th April 2020 was delayed due to Enroute bad weather in Assam area. Considering the urgency of the lab needed by the Naga public, efforts were taken by IAF to use Bangladesh Air space through diplomatic channels but with bad weather moving east it was cancelled and it finally arrived on 16 April 2020.The next consignment for BSL lab at Dimapur is expected to arrive very soon, which will also be tasked and airlifted by special IAF Aircraft’s.
As per Nagaland Chief Ministers twitter and office, he thanked the ICMR N Delhi for all the necessary clearance needed to set up its own lab in Nagaland, it further assured the Naga public that all efforts with around -the -clock task would be carried out so that it gets functional at the earliest. The State Government despite lock down measures all over the country creating multiple limitations, is making all efforts that necessary items needed by the State and public is catered with focused dedicated approach by all concerned department officials and agencies which is highly appreciable, at this hour joint collective effort, coordination, focused approach and mutual trust of all would be the key result area to mitigate and overcome the pandemic.
The state government thanked the IAF, MoD and Government of India for the continuous dedicated efforts, support and cooperation to fight against Covid-19, considering the inherent problem of terrain, infrastructure and connectivity issues faced by Naga people. It is pertinent to mention that in the past 15 days IAF has flown 6 dedicated missions carrying almost 40 tons of essential items much need by the Naga public, using the latest American C-17 globemaster, C130 J Super Hercules and Russian IL 76 MD special tactical military transport Aircraft in its inventory.
(DPRO Dimapur)