Question : SURVEILLANCE IN MOUNTAINS

(a) the reasons for the failure of Sukhoi-30 and other allied agencies in exact mapping of the crash site of the helicopter carrying the former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh;

(b) whether the armed forces trained to move in mountainous terrain failed to cover the crash area;

(c) if so, the reasons therefor; and

(d) the steps being taken to improve surveillance in such high altitude areas?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)

(a) to (d): The crash site was imaged by the Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi-30 aircraft. The efficacy of such search and mapping operations depends upon the terrain, weather, availability of co-ordinates of the area and the size of debris. The Government reviews the efficacy of available surveillance mechanism from time to time and steps are taken thereon.