Operation Neer
Operation Neer (Hindi: "Water") was initiated by Indian government in response to Maldives government's request for help after major fire broke out at the Male Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) generator control panel on 4 December 2014, causing extensive damage to the cabling of the generator to the Distillation plants and disconnection of water supply. Maldives don't have its own water resources but is wholly dependent on desalination plants.[1][2][3]
Indian response
On urgent request for assistance Indian Navy immediately diverted INS Sukanya, which was off the coast of Kochi, to Male. It carried 35 tonnes of fresh water and has the capability to produce 20 tonnes of water every day. On 7 December INS Deepak a large fleet tanker reached Male carrying 1000 tonnes of water. Indian Air Force has provided five aircraft including two C-17 Globemaster-III and three IL-76 with 153 tonnes on 5 December and three aircraft including two C-17 and one IL-76 with 130 tonnes on 6 December. One C-17 aircraft with 40 tonnes and another aircraft with about 40 tonnes have also reached Male on 7 December.[2]
International response
After an appeal for aid from India, Sri Lanka, the US and China, China was the first country to respond after India with over 1000 tonnes of water by air and sea.[3]
References
- ^ "As Maldives plant burns, India rushes drinking water in planes, ships". The Times of India. 6 December 2014. Retrieved 21 June 2019.
- ^ a b "Maldives Water Crisis: India Transports 1,000 Tonnes of Fresh Water to Male". NDTV. 7 December 2014. Retrieved 7 December 2014.
- ^ a b "China follows India, rushes water to crisis-hit Maldives". The Economic Times. Retrieved 7 December 2014.