INTACH Raises Alarm Over Low-Flying Aircraft Near Lingaraj Temple

Bhubaneswar: The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has expressed serious concern over the increasing number of low-flying aircraft dangerously close to the 11th-century Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar. In a series of letters addressed to the Airport Director of Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), the Archaeological Survey of India’s Bhubaneswar Circle, and the Culture Secretary, INTACH Bhubaneswar Convener Anil Dhir has called for immediate corrective measures to protect the ancient temple.

The concern stems from a detailed two-month observational study carried out by Dhir in the Old Town area. According to his findings, aircraft departing from BPIA’s main 14/32 runway frequently make an ascending right turn just seconds after takeoff. This maneuver, often executed before the aircraft’s undercarriage is fully retracted, brings them perilously close to the Lingaraj Temple — whose spire stands at 180 feet (55 meters).

Dhir, himself a former trainee pilot, pointed out that while the current Standard Instrument Departure (SID) protocol approved by the Bhubaneswar Air Traffic Control (ATC) permits this turn, it is both unnecessary and risky. He has suggested that initiating the turn just ten seconds later would allow aircraft to avoid the heritage site altogether, reducing potential threats from noise, engine vibrations, and proximity.

“The vibrations caused by low-flying aircraft, especially during takeoff when engines are at full thrust, pose a serious risk to the structural integrity of the Lingaraj Temple,” Dhir warned in his letter. “Given that the temple is already vulnerable due to age-related wear, these flights could accelerate the weakening of joints and even lead to long-term damage or collapse.”

INTACH has submitted photographic and video evidence, including footage taken from inside aircraft, to support its claims. Dhir specifically identified flights operated by Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air as frequently flying closest to the temple, while noting that other carriers have adhered to a safer, straight-line ascent pattern.

The letter also underscored the legal restrictions under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) rules, which prohibit drone and aircraft operations over or near protected monuments. The Lingaraj Temple, a centrally protected site, falls under these regulations. Dhir cited the recent Air India Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad as a reminder of the potential hazards involved in aviation mismanagement and called for greater caution and preventive action.

“In light of both the cultural importance of the site and the safety risks involved, the SID chart must be amended to divert aircraft away from this heritage zone,” Dhir emphasized.

As the city of Bhubaneswar continues to grow as a regional aviation hub and heritage tourism destination, INTACH has urged the authorities to act promptly and responsibly. The appeal now awaits response from airport officials, ASI, and the Ministry of Culture.