Cuttack: In a bid to add colour to Biju Patnaik’s birth centenary celebrations, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has planned a 40-minute air show on the banks of Kathajodi river near Khannagar here, the birth place of the legendary leader.
A preparatory meet organised by sports and youth services department in Bhubaneswar was convened by Cuttack collector Nirmal Chandra Mishra. The meet discussed measures to successfully conduct the event.
According to sources, a group of IAF officials will take stock of the situation at Kathajodi December 18 and make necessary arrangements as per their recommendations.
CMC commissioner Gyana Das said at least three lakh spectators are expected for the event, arrangements for which have been made to accommodate the visitors at Khannagar Buruj park, Baishnav Pani park and lower banks of Kathojodi.
The works department has been assigned the responsibility of renovation and beautification of these parks. The district administration will coordinate the efforts with the works department. Jogging tracks and electrification at the parks are being planned, he added.
In a bid to prevent possible bird strike with aircraft, the civic body will order closure of all meat and fish shops around Kathajodi banks three days prior to the event.
The district administration has been directed to keep vigil over the meat shops and to ensure that no meat is sold there, Das added.
Deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Sanjeev Arora, state sports secretary, IAF officials and state forest officials were among the dignitaries who attended the meeting. Notably, the state government has undertaken year-long celebrations starting March 5 to mark the birth centenary year of the former Chief Minister. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has urged the Union defence ministry in April to organise air shows by the IAF personnel in the state.
The show will provide a rare opportunity to the people here to witness the grand event, but will also inspire patriotic youths to aspire for a career in the IAF.
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