Squadron Leader Mahesh Kumar Abrol (17391) Administration was commissioned in the Administrative Branch of the IAF on 22 Dec 1983. He has held the appointments of Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO), Senior Administrative Officer (S Adm 0), Works Officer and Security Officer at various AF Stations. Presently he is Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Security Officer and Officer Commanding (OC) DSC Coy at Air Force Station, Kalaikunda.

Sqn Ldr Abrol handled two extremely sensitive but vital issues, which had a bearing on security and flying environment. The first case related to removal of 155 unauthorised shops/hutments, in existence for the last 30 years just outside the main gate, posing grave security risk. The officer succeeded in getting the shops and hutments demolished in a peaceful manner. This was achieved within a time frame of eight months. In this respect he had to hold a series of meetings and make reconciliatory approaches in various forums involving shopkeepers, political leaders and Govt officials, which he did with professional acumen. The demolition also entailed the rehabilitation of shopkeepers on humanitarian grounds. The officer, therefore, also pursued resolutely the case with the district administration for allocation of two acres of land especially for the purpose and the political leadership for the financial assistance for

construction of the new shopping complex. In the process, the officer not only earned the goodwill of the displaced shopkeepers, who were resettled in the new complex, but also enhanced the image of the Air Force amongst the local population.

In the second case, the issue of the pollution caused due to unloading of cement clinkers from railway wagons just outside the Air Force Camp merited an early solution. The cement dust due to unloading process was not only affecting the safe flying environment but was also causing serious health problems to the residents including about 1200 school children. The case was pursued spiritedly for over one year, entailing collection of evidence and logical presentation of the case to the Appellate Authority of the Pollution Control Board, Kolkata and the Min of Defence. Finally executive orders for stoppage of unloading of cement clinkers were issued and the processes of unloading cement clinkers ceased thereafter. The associated issues in this case were the security and traffic threats due to engagement of hundreds of unverified labourers and civil trucks just outside the Air Force Camp, which also got resolved in the process. The officer received special tributes of the Honorable Judges of the Pollution Control Board.

While handling the above cases, Sqn Ldr Abrol had met with threats of his life. Undeterred, he pursued both the cases to final outcome best suited to the interest of the Air Force. The officer thus displayed tremendous courage, sincerity of purpose and dedication beyond the call of his duties.

For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Squadron Leader Mahesh Kumar Abrol.