New Delhi. 14 August 2024. Wing Commander Anand Vinayak Agashe (27228) Flying (Pilot) is commanding officer of a Helicopter Unit. On 15 Aug 23, due to heavy rains, flood gates of Maharana Pratap Sagar were opened, inundating villages of Kangra district (HP). To rescue the people stranded in the affected areas, Indian Air Force was tasked for the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
Towards this, Wg Cdr Agashe along with his team undertook thorough and meticulous planning for such a high risk task. He also carried Garud Commandos for the envisioned winch ops which proved critical towards safe and efficient conduct of the operations. On reaching the site, he also took over the responsibility of on scene and carried out detailed coordination with the district authorities.
During aerial recce, it was found that hundreds of people were stranded in houses and roof tops in an area inundated by floods. Wg Cdr Agashe carried out precise hover over the precarious terrain which was in close proximity of HT/LT cables, microwave towers and tall trees that were swaying due to helicopter downwash, and winched up 42 marooned personnel. This rescue mission entailed prolong and precise hover over roof tops, marshy land and free air hover from heights ranging from a few feet to 40 meters above ground with the pilot and the aircraft operating at its extreme limits. Each sortie required 15 to 20 minutes of precise hover which needed high concentration for extended periods.
The rescue operations also entailed low hover pick up from isolated portions of land surrounded by the raging river. This challenging task resulted in saving more lives. The survivors included heart patients, pregnant women, infants, elderly and especially abled people. During conduct of the entire mission, the officer led by example and the IAF team rescued 1002 precious lives in total. His meticulous planning, superlative flying skills, professional competence and courageous effort in the face of grave personal risk saved precious lives.
For the act of exceptional courage, Wing Commander Anand Vinayak Agashe is awarded ‘Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)’.
