Bhubaneswar, 14 June (H.S.) Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar is facing heightened scrutiny over growing safety concerns due to the presence of multiple obstructions in the vicinity of its runway. These include unauthorised high-rise buildings and large trees encroaching on critical flight paths, posing potential hazards to aircraft during take-off and landing operations.

Airport Director Prasanna Pradhan on Saturday highlighted the risks, stating that several tall trees and illegal constructions have been identified within restricted zones around the airport. “We conducted a recent survey and found multiple obstructions. The matter was raised in the Airfield Environment Management Committee (AEMC) meeting. We are hopeful that the concerned authorities will take appropriate action,” he said.

The AEMC meeting, chaired by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner, brought together key stakeholders including officials from the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), the Forest Department, and the General Administration (GA) Department. A joint survey carried out during the meeting confirmed the existence of non-compliant structures and natural obstructions within regulated zones.

Airport authorities conduct such surveys every three years to identify threats to safe air navigation. “The survey covers both approach and take-off paths. Any obstruction, whether natural or man-made, is reported to relevant departments for necessary action,” added Pradhan.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda