INS Parundu conducts chopper landing drills at Ramanathapuram Collectorate ahead of monsoon

With the northeast monsoon approaching, the INS Parundu Naval Air Station in Uchipuli conducted helicopter landing drills on Monday and Tuesday at the Public Works Department helipad within the Ramanathapuram Collectorate premises.

The exercises are part of disaster preparedness efforts to ensure swift rescue operations for citizens in flood-prone or isolated areas.

Situated close to the international maritime boundary near Sri Lanka, Ramanathapuram is strategically monitored by both the Indian Coast Guard in Mandapam and the INS Parundu Naval Air Station.

During the two-day drill, naval pilots successfully landed Chetak and advanced ALH Type-3 helicopters in quick succession, conducting operations during both daytime (10 a.m to 1 p.m) and night time hours.

To ensure safety during the exercises, local police and fire department personnel—complete with a fire engine and a standby ambulance—were deployed at the site. The sudden low-altitude landings drew curious crowds, with office staff and members of the public gathering to watch.

Following the drills, the district administration issued an advisory urging the public not to enter the helipad premises without authorisation.