INTACH Raises Alarm Over Low-Altitude Flights Near Lingaraj Temple

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has expressed grave concern over low-altitude aircraft departures from Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), which it claims pose a threat to the ancient Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar.

Anil Dhir, Convenor of the INTACH Bhubaneswar Chapter, has formally written to the Director of BPIA, requesting urgent amendments to the Standard Instrument Departure (SID) chart governing aircraft movements from the airport’s main runway 14/32. Copies of the letter have also been sent to the Superintendent Archaeologist of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Bhubaneswar Circle, and the Union Culture Secretary.

According to Dhir, several aircraft taking off from the runway execute a sharp ascending right turn almost immediately after takeoff—at times even before retracting their landing gear—bringing them dangerously close to the 11th-century Lingaraj Temple, whose spire reaches 180 feet (55 meters). Observations from a two-month study in the Old Town area have revealed that aircraft at this point are often flying at altitudes as low as 1,000 to 1,200 feet.

“The structural integrity of the Lingaraj Temple is already in a fragile state,” Dhir warned. “Low-level flights at full engine thrust could lead to severe consequences, such as structural vibrations, noise pollution, and potential physical damage, including cracks and dislodging of ancient stone joints.”

Dhir, a former trainee pilot, emphasized that the current departure pattern, while in line with the SID approved by Air Traffic Control, could be easily modified. “A delay of just 10 seconds in the right turn could ensure the aircraft avoid flying over the heritage zone,” he said.

He has submitted photographs and video clips as evidence, some taken during flights from within aircraft cabins. Dhir identified flights by Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa as particularly problematic, whereas others appear to follow a safer, straight ascent.

Flying over ASI-protected monuments is generally prohibited under existing laws, and even drones are banned within restricted heritage zones. Dhir reminded authorities that the ASI is legally obligated to prevent any activity that could harm such structures.

Referring to the recent crash involving an Air India Dreamliner at Ahmedabad Airport, Dhir cautioned that risks related to flight paths over historical structures must be taken seriously. “We cannot afford to compromise on heritage safety in the name of operational convenience,” he said, calling for swift action from aviation and cultural authorities.