Air show in Cuttack to commemorate Biju Patnaik’s birth centenary

Cuttack: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has planned a 40-minute air show on the banks of Kathajodi river in Cuttack to commemorate legendary leader Biju Patnaik’s birth centenary celebrations.

The air show will be held near Khannagar here. Cuttack is the birth place of the former Chief Minister of Odisha.

A preparatory meet organised by sports and youth services department in Bhubaneswar was convened by Cuttack collector Nirmal Chandra Mishra.

According to sources, a group of IAF officials will take stock of the situation at Kathajodi on 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.