An IAF chopper grounded at Rajaji Tiger Reserve due to some technical fault in Haridwar on Thursday. Tribune photo: RAMESHWAR GAUR

Tribune News Service

Haridwar, March 23

A helicopter of the Indian Air Force (IAF) made an emergency landing at Rajaji Tiger Reserve here today. An Army Major and Captain were on board when the chopper (IA 3106) had to land due to some technical glitch in the dense forest terrain at Baniyawala, Chillawali Range of Rajaji Tiger Reserve.The chopper had taken off from Haldwani for Solan in Himachal Pradesh. Its first abrupt stoppage was at Raiwala. After the snag was fixed, the chopper flew for its destination, but it had to land once again at Baniyawala after the pilot sensed some error. Finding it tough to resolve, another helicopter from the nearest Army Cantt area in Raiwala was called with a technician.Komal Singh, wildlife warden, Haridwar Range, Rajaji Tiger Reserve, said two Air Force officials — Major BP Singh and Captain Abhinav — were aboard when the chopper made emergency landing. “They are safe. After getting technical assistance, the fault was rectified and the IAF helicopter took off for the further journey in the evening. An alert had been sounded in the range area when news about it flashed,” he added.