Gurugram groom plans helicopter 'palanquin' for bride

Amid criticism about demonetisation by opposition political parties and setting up Rs 2.5 lakh withdrawal limit for household wedding celebrations, a Gurugram family has planned a helicopter as a 'palanquin' for the bride next week.

Babu Lal Vats, who works with Municipal Corporation of Delhi, has planned to bring his daughter-in-law in a helicopter on November 24.

Resident of Gurugram's Dundahera -- adjacent to New Delhi's border -- and a field worker, Vats has planned the marriage of his fourth and youngest son Vinod Vats in a different way.

Vinod Vats, 25, is a post-graduate working with the accounts department of a private firm in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan. He has sought permission from Gurugram authorities for a chopper to land and fly in the city's jurisdiction.

"We are four brothers and I am the youngest, my father wishes to make my wedding memorable and our family has planned to hire a helicopter," groom Vats told IANS.

Vinod Vats submitted an application at Gurugram Deputy Commissioner T.L. Satyaprakash's office and later it was forwarded to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) office for necessary follow-up action.

"DCP (Headquarter) has provided clearance to the application and sought No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from local concerned SHOs, Fire and Public Work Department (B&R)," said a officer.

The baraat (procession) will depart for village Aklimpur near Badshahpur, some 20 km from Dundahera on Novemver 23, with the groom riding an SUV Range Rover.

"The helicopter of a private company has been booked for at least two hours on November 24 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and booking amount is around Rs 80,000 per hour," Pawan Kumar, a friend of Vats, told IANS.

A helipad is being built in the government school ground of the bride's village Aklimpur and the chopper will land in Sector 21 near Palam Vihar with the newly married couple on November 24.

"Besides the helicopter fare, other expenses amounting to Rs 20 lakh would be on the groom's side," said Vats.

When asked how would you manage such a big amount after demonetisation, the groom Vinod said, "Something will be done positively."

--IANS

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