Varanasi: Officials across Varanasi zone have been put on alert and directed to coordinate preparations for the proposed Indian Air Force (IAF) air show on Oct 22, 24 and 25. The administration is preparing to manage crowds arriving from Chandauli, Ghazipur, Jaunpur, Bhadohi, Mirzapur, Azamgarh and other districts, with Namo Ghat designated as the base for the show over the Ganga.Around 30 lakh people are expected to attend the event, while officials are planning crowd management arrangements to accommodate and regulate a maximum of 20 lakh people a day.A high-level joint review meeting was held at the divisional commissioner’s office on Saturday evening to assess security, traffic and emergency preparedness for Air Show 2026. The meeting was jointly chaired by ADG Zone Naveen Arora, Commissioner of Police Mohit Agarwal and divisional commissioner S Rajalingam. Senior police and administrative officers, along with officials from the concerned departments in the participating districts, were assigned responsibilities.Officials stressed close coordination between Varanasi Commissionerate police and Chandauli district police, along with advance planning to regulate crowds on roads leading to Namo Ghat. Special attention was given to safety measures in the Ganga, security around the Rajghat railway bridge, uninterrupted train operations and the readiness of medical response teams.Authorities have been asked to prepare dedicated traffic diversion and parking plans for vehicles arriving from different districts. Separate arrangements will also be made for railway stations, bus terminals and approach roads to prevent congestion during the show. Departments have been directed to complete their assigned tasks within the stipulated timeline.Meanwhile, Andhau airstrip in Ghazipur is proposed to be activated for IAF aircraft and helicopter operations. Officials have sensitised residents of villages around the airstrip and issued safety instructions for Andhau, Inarwa, Biraich and Chakhusan, which fall near the funnel area, for the period from October 15 to 27.Meat shops within a radius of two to three kilometres of the airstrip will remain closed to minimise bird activity and reduce the risk of bird strikes. Residents have also been asked not to leave cattle near the airstrip boundary, avoid flying kites and refrain from crossing airport walls or entering restricted areas.Police warned that any unlawful activity or negligence affecting aviation safety or national security would invite strict legal action. Officials have appealed to residents to cooperate with the administration to ensure the event is conducted safely.
