Bhubaneswar: Inclement weather in the city forced the helicopter carrying Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to divert midair and land in Puri on Monday afternoon. The Chief Minister was returning to Bhubaneswar from Mayurbhanj after attending an official function.
Helicopter Diverts Due to Bad Weather
Sources at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) reported that the helicopter, with the Chief Minister and officials on board, departed from Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College in Baripada at 3:28 PM. After approximately 45 minutes of flight, the helicopter requested permission to land in Bhubaneswar from air traffic control (ATC). However, due to adverse weather conditions, ATC denied the request.
“The helicopter diverted to Puri midair and landed there at 4:42 PM. After a brief stay, the Chief Minister returned to Bhubaneswar by road,” a Chief Minister's Office (CMO) official stated.
Chief Minister's Engagements in Baripada
The Chief Minister was in Baripada to inaugurate a new 650-bed teaching hospital at Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College. During the event, he also launched and laid the foundation stone for various developmental projects aimed at enhancing healthcare and infrastructure in the region.
Weather Conditions Cause Disruptions
Most localities in Bhubaneswar, including the airport area, experienced wind speeds gusting up to 80 kmph. The strong winds led to uprooting of trees and falling of branches, causing disruptions in several parts of the city. The inclement weather prompted authorities to take precautionary measures, and the ATC's decision to deny landing permission was based on safety concerns.
The Chief Minister's safe return by road after the diversion underscored the challenges posed by unpredictable weather conditions. Officials confirmed that no untoward incidents occurred during the diversion or the subsequent road journey.
