Bhubaneswar: Inclement weather in Bhubaneswar forced the helicopter carrying Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and officials to divert midair and land at the Puri helipad instead of Bhubaneswar on Monday afternoon. The helicopter was returning from Mayurbhanj after the Chief Minister attended a function.
Details of the Incident
Sources at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) said the helicopter with the Chief Minister and his entourage departed from Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College, Barpada, at 3:28 PM for Bhubaneswar. After flying for approximately 45 minutes, the helicopter sought permission to land in Bhubaneswar from BPIA air traffic control (ATC). However, ATC refused due to bad weather conditions, as wind speeds were around 80 kmph.
“The helicopter diverted to Puri midair and landed at the Puri helipad at 4:42 PM. After a brief stay, the Chief Minister returned to Bhubaneswar by road,” a government officer from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said.
Chief Minister's Schedule
The Chief Minister had earlier landed at Baripada at 11:45 AM to inaugurate a new 650-bed teaching hospital at Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College. On this occasion, he also launched and laid the foundation stone for various developmental projects worth over Rs 430 crore for the comprehensive development of the district.
“The meeting was for around three hours, and the Chief Minister left the venue on scheduled time,” the government officer added. The helicopter landed safely in Puri.
Weather Conditions
Most localities, including the airport area in Bhubaneswar, reported wind speeds gusting up to 80 kmph, leading to uprooting of trees and falling of branches. The adverse weather conditions prompted the diversion to ensure the safety of all onboard.
