The Highlights:
Deoghar, Jharkhand – Nov 15, 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s return journey to New Delhi was delayed for an hour on Friday after technical snag affected his special aircraft at Deoghar Airport. The PM had addressed a rally in Jamui district of Bihar that is about 80 kilometres from Deoghar while also paying homage to the 150th birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda.
Incident Summary
After his speech in Jamui, Prime Minister Modi was to head back to the capital on his Indian Air Force plane from Deoghar Airport. However before take-off, a technical snag was discovered during the pre-flight inspection and so there was an over an hour long delay of unscheduled hours. The airspace around that area was declared as ‘no-fly zone’ for security reasons and for carrying out some maintenance work.
Immediate Response and Other Contingency Plans
Seeing the situation, another Boeing business jet was called from New Delhi to Deoghar to take back the Prime Minister to the capital. This has been a timely action reflecting elaborate preparedness measures in VIP travel that cause the least disrizations and do not make any compromise on safety and security.
Impact on Other Politicians
The incident further triggered a chain reaction on other political works in the region. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who was to address an election rally in Godda, had also to tolerate the delay as the helicopter carrying him could not take off due to the no-fly zone enforced. The Congress party raised a hue and cry over the issue by saying that their leader’s security was being compromised. State Minister Deepika Pandey Singh said, “Our leader Rahul Gandhi’s helicopter was not allowed to take off nearly for two hours, which is very serious to his life. That was a security lapse at the Centre’s behest.”
Security Measures and Protocols
During such incidents, imposition of no fly zone is considered as a crucial security measure which can ban all possible dangers of hurting the concerned people. Although, it causes unrest for a small time, but they are in dire need to provide security to public figures and citizens.
Prime Minister’s interaction in Deoghar and Jamui
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi has taken part in events celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, the respected tribal freedom fighter. He addressed a public meeting in Jamui, Bihar. There he launched tribal welfare projects worth over ₹6,000 crore. Prime Minister focused on the commitment of the government towards celebrating the tribal leaders and their needs. He said the National Democratic Alliance led by Bharatiya Janata Party has attempted to give the due share of the tribals that was deprived under previous governments.”
Historical Background: Deoghar Airport
Deoghar Airport, dedicated to public use by Prime Minister Modi on July 12, 2022, is Jharkhand’s second airport that offers improved connectivity to the region. The airport was constructed with an estimated cost of ₹401 crore and serves more than five lakh passengers every year. In addition to the infrastructure, the facility sports a 2,500-meter-long runway that can support Airbus A320 aircraft. Thus, the impact of this airport in the region as well as in terms of tourism is likely to be highly positive.
Enhancing the Safety of Traveling VIPs
The technical hitch with which the Prime Minister’s aircraft was hit sheds light on the difficulties and intricacies involved with VIP air travel. Although not a common case, incidents like this bring to mainstream awareness about tight maintenance procedures and preparedness for alternative means to ensure safety and continuity of operations of high-profile personalities.
Conclusion
This incidence at Deoghar Airport brings to the forefront the uncharted unpleasantness of flying even for the most elite offices. The authorities showed prompt action by sending the alternative aircraft and putting in all the requirements of the security protocol followed, which does well to indicate the effectiveness of the existing protocols. Meanwhile, with the nation going ahead on infrastructure and connectivity development, safety and reliability in air travel assumes a top consideration.
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