Cuttack, Dec. 20: A senior Indian Air Force (IAF) official said presence of birds and kite flying near the stretch of Kathajodi riverbed might create problems during the mega air show here on December 23.
During an inspection here today, a 12-member IAF team expressed concern over the bird menace around Khannagar, where the air show will take place.
The team has asked senior officials of the district administration and the Cuttack Municipal Corporation to take steps to drive away the birds from the area for a period of three days.
Special IAF teams Hawk (Suryan Kiran) and Advance Light Helicopters (Sarang) will display aerobatics skills along with a team of paratroopers (Akash Ganga) during the air show, organised on the centenary celebrations of Biju Patnaik.
"Organising such air shows is challenging as we have to ensure a proper flying environment, which is completely free of birds. We have inspected the area and a final rehearsal with the aircraft will be done on Wednesday," said squadron leader A.K. Diwedi.
Diwedi further said since Surya Kiran and Saranga teams would be flying at a much lower level, it was essential to completely drive the birds away from the area.
The IAF technical team conducted a detailed mapping of the area, visibility, VIP lounge and other aspects ahead of the air show today.
On the other hand, the corporation clamped a ban on the sale of meat, fish and other poultry products within one-km radius of Khannagar till December 23.
"The sale of meat and other products that attracts birds has been banned till Friday. We have also formed special squads to drive the birds away using firecrackers," said mayor Minakshee Behera.
Behera said the sanitary staff had given directions to ensure that no animal carcasses were dumped at Kathajodi river or nearby areas.
Deputy commissioner of police Sanjeev Arora said that the entire 2.5km stretch from Manimandir junction to Khannagar would be a "no vehicle zone" from 7am till the completion of the air show on December 23.
Commuters will allowed to enter the city via Link Road, while no vehicle will be allowed to move towards Khannagar from Badambadi. Parking provisions will be made at Sunshine field, City College ground and Belleview.
"Around 40 platoons of police force would be deployed to maintain law and order and regulate traffic during the air show," said Arora.