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A helicopter used by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has remained grounded for over a month at the Kendrapara Autonomous College ground. Despite visits by technicians, the aircraft remains unrepaired, thereby raising public concern, sources said on Friday.
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The helicopter has sparked safety concerns and disrupted public life ahead of Independence Day celebrations. The I-Day parade is conducted on the college ground every year.
According to sources, it has now been a full month since the Chief Minister's helicopter has remained stranded at the college ground in Kendrapara. Despite the time elapsed, there has been no successful repair, raising serious concerns about aircraft maintenance and public safety. Residents also fear that a second location has to be identified for the parade.
On June 9, the Chief Minister visited Kendrapara and landed on a temporary helipad in the college ground. He attended the ‘Tiranga Yatra’ conducted near Mausima Mandir and a programme at Circuit House in the district headquarters. Following a storm that afternoon, the helicopter had developed a mechanical glitch and has since remained immobile.
There are widespread reports that the rotor blades have been damaged. Though two expert teams have examined the chopper, it remains unrepaired and unable to fly.
Police and fire services personnel have been guarding the helicopter 'round-the-clock'.
With Independence Day approaching, there is increasing concern about how the scheduled parade event at the college ground will proceed while the helicopter continues to occupy the space. The presence of the aircraft is allegedly disrupting regular academic activities.
Locals have begun to question the reliability of the private aviation company that provided the helicopter. The fact that no response has yet been issued by the district administration further intensifies public anxiety.
Prolonged immobility of the CM’s chopper has also ignited debate over aviation protocols, equipment checks, and the adequacy of emergency backup arrangements for VIP visits.
No comments were received from the district administration in this regard.
