An official, Subhas Yadav, was removed from his position after his approval for safety clearance at Hisar airport was flawed. The airport, to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 14, had been declared free of wildlife. However, during a pre-visit inspection for President Droupadi Murmu’s visit on March 9, animals were found within the airport’s perimeter.
Discrepancies in Wildlife Safety Reports
Following this, a survey on March 29 revealed the presence of several species, including nilgai, foxes, jackals, wild boars, and dogs. Additionally, the survey noted that overgrown grass and bushes in the area provided cover for these animals. Yadav’s earlier report from March 6 had stated that the airport was devoid of wildlife, which was proven to be inaccurate. The discrepancy between Yadav’s initial report and the survey findings raised questions about the accuracy of safety.
Government Response and Transfer of Official
The contradiction between the initial report and the survey findings raised concerns about the quality of safety assessments at the airport, especially since it was prepared for a high-profile VVIP visit. Chief Minister’s office issued immediate orders for Yadav’s transfer. The inaccuracy of his report and its potential impact on the safety and preparedness of the airport for the inauguration.
Urgent Action to Ensure Safety Before Inauguration
The Haryana wildlife department now faces an urgent challenge to ensure that the area is cleared of animals by April 10. The clearance process will be under close scrutiny to avoid further incidents. This situation has highlighted the importance of wildlife management and the need for proper oversight in critical situations.
Source: Times of India