Air Force Officials Worry About Highways Running Close to Boundary Walls
HYDERABAD: Authorities at the Air Force Station (AFS), Hakimpet, and the Air Force Academy (AFA) at Dundigal are worried about highways running right next to the boundary wall of their campuses. Air Commodore Pankaj Jain, Air Officer Commanding, AFS Hakimpet, said that the Rajiv Rahadari Highway also referred to as the Karimnagar Highway, passes less than a metre away from the compound wall, which poses a serious threat to the security and functioning of various training and activities at AFS.
"There must be a safe distance of at least 100 metres between the station and civil establishments because the going-ons here are to be done under absolute security or secrecy. There is also the danger of illegal constructions being carried out near the boundary wall, innocent citizens are being duped by money-minded contractors," Air Commodore Jain said.
He added that the approach path for a runway is not supposed to have any buildings or high-rise establishments. "More than a 100-metre radius around the station is a no-drone zone," he said, explaining the importance and need to do away with constructions and activity in the vicinity.
The proposed Siddipet-Medak highway construction, which will pass near the Dundigal AFA too, will have the same fate, officials worried.
"We have written to the state government and are positive that a diversion or solution will come of it, soon. Right now, we can't extend the runway, despite having the land," Air Commodore Jain said, while speaking at an orientation capsule held at AFS Hakimpet on Monday.
Several insights about the functioning of the air force training establishments — the Air Force Stations at Hakimpet, Begumpet and Bidar and the Air Force Academy at Dundigal — were explained at the event.
Apart from disseminating information specific to these bases, the capsule also provided glimpses into the history of the IAF, critical capabilities, achievements and the role being played towards nation-building by the air warriors. It was also an effort towards IAF's commitment towards fostering transparency as well as enhancing communication with the media.
During the capsule, representatives from all IAF stations and the AFA covered their respective roles, while also bringing out key doctrinal aspects of air power, the IAF's quest for atmanirbharta, and the stellar role played by IAF during various humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions, especially in rescuing 6 people and dropping flood relief material in Warangal last week.
