IAF Ganga Air Show: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is holding a major air show at Namo Ghat in Varanasi on October 22, 24 and 25. Around 100 aircraft will take part in the event. Officials expect 15 to 20 lakh people to come and watch the displays.
The show is being held to mark the IAF’s 94th anniversary. It will give people a chance to see the force’s aircraft, flying skills and military strength. Preparations have also been made to manage the large crowds and keep visitors safe.
Fighter Jets and VIPs Expected at the Show
The air show will feature 52 fighter jets and 15 transport aircraft. Some of the main aircraft expected to take part are the Rafale, Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-29, Mirage 2000, Jaguar and the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. The Suryakiran aerobatic team and Sarang helicopter display team are also among the attractions planned for the event.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are expected to attend the final day’s programme on October 25. Local BJP leaders and officials have shared information about their expected visit.
Security and Medical Arrangements for Visitors
Varanasi Police Commissioner Mohit Agrawal said 79 temporary police stations have been set up, with 11,900 police personnel assigned to the event. Teams from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), bomb disposal squad and Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) will also help with security.
“Police personnel have been assigned to guide spectators arriving from railway stations, bus terminals, the airport and other major routes to the venue along designated routes,” Agrawal said.
Police have prepared four traffic plans with road diversions, barricades and alternate routes. Visitors from Varanasi will be directed to parking areas on the city side of the Ganga. People coming from other districts will be guided towards the Ramnagar-Padav area.
The ghats have been divided into zones with separate entry and exit routes. Double barricades have been placed along two stretches of about 5.5 km each, between Dumari and Sati Ghat and between Adi Keshav and Dashashwamedh Ghat. CCTV cameras, 25 watchtowers, metal detectors and public address systems have also been arranged.
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Security teams will watch over the river. Anti-drone systems, all-terrain vehicles and cyber security teams will remain alert. Private boats on the Ganga won’t be allowed to operate from 8 am to 5 pm during the show. Unauthorised drone flights within 5 km on either side of the ghats are also prohibited.
Chief Medical Officer N P Singh said three green corridors would help ambulances reach hospitals quickly. Eight temporary hospitals and 100 ambulances, including two water ambulances, will be available. Sir Sunderlal Hospital and the BHU Trauma Centre have been identified for emergency treatment. Rescue teams, water police and local divers will also be ready. Drinking water, toilets and other public facilities will be provided at busy locations.
Congress Raises Objection Over Air Show Passes
Congress leader Ajay Rai has objected to the alleged use of BJP public representatives’ names and photographs on air show passes during the ongoing Legislative Council elections. He said the event belongs to the Indian Air Force and questioned why political leaders’ photographs were being used. Rai alleged that the practice went against election rules and the model code of conduct. He also urged the Election Commission to take action.
“The Air Force belongs to the country, not to any political party,” Rai said.
