On Friday, the Bhopal district administration, working alongside the Airport Authority of India and Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC), launched a robust operation to address safety risks near Raja Bhoj International Airport, prompted by concerns following a recent plane crash in Ahmedabad. During a meeting led by Airport Director Ramji Awasthi, with participation from Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) and BMC

 

Chief City Planner Anup Goyal, a decision was made to serve notices to 27 marriage gardens in the Bairagarh area, situated within 5 kilometres of the airport. These venues are being investigated for their use of powerful laser lights and fireworks during events, which authorities warn could endanger aircraft during critical takeoff and landing phases.

 

Airport officials highlighted that laser beams can reach up to 200 meters, potentially disrupting pilots’ visibility near runways, with suspicions that such practices may have played a role in the Ahmedabad incident, still under investigation. Kolar SDM Ravishankar Rai revealed that teams are actively surveying these gardens to enforce compliance, while the BMC has been instructed to devise a plan for relocating non-compliant venues. Awasthi noted that existing restrictions were already in place, and the meeting focused on intensifying their implementation to protect air traffic. New Safety Regulations Imposed:

 

A total ban on high-intensity laser lights during weddings and processions in areas spanning Lalghati to Sant Hirdaram Nagar, Airport to Mubarakpur Square, and Airport to Karond Square. A prohibition on aerial fireworks in these zones during any celebrations. A restriction on drone operations within the 10-kilometre airspace around the airport. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in the revocation of licenses for the marriage gardens. The Bhopal administration is committed to rigorous enforcement to safeguard the city’s airspace, prioritising aviation safety at Raja Bhoj International Airport.