Coronavirus or Covid-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is a viral disease that turned into a pandemic in early 2020. The first known case was recorded in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Coronavirus has multiple variants such as Delta and Omicron, and its most common symptoms are fever, chills and sore throat.
The virus spreads through liquid particles when the infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes – it has a high multiplication rate. Therefore, the world had taken measures to quarantine or isolate those infected. While the disease can be mild and recoverable, those older or with underlying medical conditions are more likely to be adversely affected. The disease caused according to WHO estimates 3 million deaths in 2020.
IAF deserves gratitude of the people of India for helping them through the difficult times during last week by transporting the empty oxygen containers thereby reducing the cycle time for the next round of oxygen supplies from far away places. Perhaps, the idea of such quick transport arrangement by planes was suggested by IAF itself. Railways and IAF working in such coordination is a brilliant planning and typical Indian Juggad. Of course, everyone is busy in targeting Modi and blaming him for the second corona wave and no one bothered to notice and thank IAF (and Railways too) for such idea and its brilliant execution in critical times.
Air Marshal gives us many more instances where IAF supported the nation during crisis. In general, role of Armed Forces is highly commendable in HADR. Indian Navy too immediately sent its submersible vessel to help out Indonesian submarine or its help during Tusnami times. Indian Army has helped civilian administration umpteen times during days of natural calamities, riots etc.
I have some comments on the article of AVM Manmohan Bahadur.
His reference of IAF arranging to spray water on Bhopal plant to cool the tank, is not the whole truth. Yes some coloured water was sprayed on Bhopal plant during day 1 of “Operation Faith” i.e. 16th December 1984. It was only a PR exercise and was filmed for telecasting to convince local population that everything is being done to safe guard them. Tank containing chemical methyl ISO cyanate ( Mic) was an underground tank with concrete cladding at the top. No spray of water could have made any difference!
IAF is a great fighting force. We all respect it and indeed feel proud of it. It does not need false story to glorify it unnecessarily from people who do not know the full story.
I am saying the above from my personal knowledge, being involved with Bhopal plant.
S P Choudhary
spchoudhary@gmail.com
Formerly Production Manager, Bhopal Plant
India always salutes those of our brave hearts and hands.