A hot air balloon ride by Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav at Gandhi Sagar Forest Retreat ran into security concerns across the area and administration on Saturday morning when the people found it couldn’t fly and flames were seen from its tail part. After spending the night at Hinglaj Resort near Gandhisagar Forest Retreat in Mandsaur district, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav boarded a hot balloon on Saturday morning (an exercise to promote tourism) but balloon was being inflated and people standing nearby felt that it caught fire.

 

It has spread panic and CM along with other people had to get down from it and cancelled the ride although district administration later comes up with a statement denying security lapses. A video of high profile (earlier aimed to promote tourism) ride that went viral on social media showed the balloon’s burner got fire and prompting security personnel to swung in to action to take him out of the box. Eyewitnesses told over phone that as soon as the CM and other dignitaries boarded the balloon, a strong wind started, which prevented the hot air balloon from flying, it started swaying subsequently curtain part got fire later security personnel extinguished it immediately and safely evacuated the Chief Minister who remained unharmed. But the incident raises concerns about safety in future too.

 

The CM cancelled the hot air balloon flight and left for Indore by helicopter shortly afterwards. Denying any security lapse, Mandsaur Collector Aditi Garg stated “The Chief Minister had only gone to see the air balloon. A hot air balloon, as is clear from the name itself, is a balloon of hot air. In order to keep it flight-worthy, the air is heated, which allows the balloon to rise and float. In this entire process, all safety standards were fully followed. Citizens are requested not to pay attention to fake and misleading news.” CM Dr Yadav inaugurated the Gandhisagar Forest Retreat on Friday. As the department claims the festival offers adventure and eco-tourism, with activities ranging from ground-level experiences to aerial sports.