As the state capital mourned the deaths of 241 people in Thursday’s AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad, district authorities on Friday intensified their crackdown on establishments posing threats to aviation safety.
Joint teams from the district administration and Raja Bhoj Airport Authority inspected venues within a 10 km radius of the airport, issuing notices to marriage gardens using laser lights.
Officials suspect that high-intensity laser beams, which can reach 200 metres into the sky, pose a serious risk to pilots during take-off and landing, especially at night.
Since January 2025, the administration has cracked down on laser use, illegal parking, and unregulated constructions near the airport. Regular inspections and NOC enforcement have been prioritised.
The AI-171 crash, which killed 241 people after the aircraft went down moments after take-off, has intensified scrutiny of such hazards. Only one person on board survived.
On Friday, SDM Ravishankar Rai and airport officials personally served notices to venues flouting laser light restrictions. Officials warned that violations would lead to strict penal action.
Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) also stepped up its parallel campaign against unauthorised meat shops. Five shops were sealed on Friday in CTO and Bairagarh under Zone 20.
Officials said the presence of meat shops near airports attracts scavenger birds, increasing the risk of bird strikes that can endanger flights.
The civic body’s drive began in early January and has led to multiple closures, fines, and a ban on open meat and egg sales during major religious festivals.
Divisional Commissioner Sanjeev Singh chaired an Airfield Environment Management Committee meeting in May, where he outlined a roadmap to control hazards near the airport.
Friday’s action reaffirmed Bhopal’s commitment to strengthening aviation safety measures — now with greater urgency following the country’s deadliest civil aviation disaster in recent memory.