What Steps is the Gujarat Government Taking Following the Ahmedabad Plane Crash?

Ahmedabad, June 16 (NationPress) Following the devastating Air India AI-171 incident, which resulted in the loss of 270 lives near Ahmedabad, the Gujarat government has promptly enhanced its rescue, relief, and administrative initiatives to support mourning families and ensure a coordinated response to the tragedy.

District Collectors have taken the initiative to personally reach out to the victims' families, while nodal officers have been appointed in various districts to manage the distribution of insurance and compensation to the legal heirs. These officers, representing district-level accounting and relevant governmental departments, are committed to processing claims with both efficiency and compassion.

In an effort to streamline insurance procedures, a joint coordination cell has been established at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, adhering to IRDAI guidelines. New India Assurance is spearheading general insurance claims on behalf of the General Insurance Council, while HDFC Life has been assigned to manage life insurance claims. Alongside LIC, both companies have set up help desks at the hospital to aid families with documentation, claims guidance, and other necessary support.

Additionally, district officials are actively assisting insurance teams by supplying critical documents, such as the passenger manifest, to expedite claim verification. Twelve specialized teams are working in shifts to conduct DNA sample collection and matching. To date, 250 blood samples have been gathered from relatives and local residents.

Currently, 62 DNA matches have been confirmed, and 35 mortal remains have been returned to their families—27 through DNA verification and eight via alternative identification methods. Only three passenger identifications remain outstanding, with relatives currently traveling from the United Kingdom to provide samples.

To guarantee a respectful and efficient transfer of mortal remains, more than 250 nodal and assistant nodal officers have been deployed. These officers maintain contact with families throughout the process—from initial outreach and DNA collection to the final rites—ensuring the transportation of remains under police escort and the return of personal belongings, and remaining present until funerals conclude.

Over 850 medical personnel, including 100 staff members at the trauma center, have been mobilized as part of the emergency medical response. This includes both permanent hospital staff and additional resources allocated for this crisis. Counseling services are also being provided to families dealing with trauma.

For families arriving from other states, the Gujarat government is collaborating with State Emergency Operation Centres nationwide. Regular communication has been established with nodal officers in other regions to offer logistical and emotional support to affected relatives. A team from Air India is stationed at the Civil Hospital around the clock to assist families. Free air travel arrangements are being provided to relatives based on individual needs.

The Roads and Buildings Department has coordinated accommodations and ground transportation to minimize inconvenience for visiting families. To address inquiries and streamline assistance, state-run helplines and control rooms have been actively responding to calls from across the country. Over 1,700 calls have been logged as of Sunday evening, with authorities ensuring effective coordination across all involved departments.