Bhopal, Mar 16 (UNI) The Civil Aviation Ministry has banned flight over Khajuraho's world-renowned medieval-era temples and said that airline companies must include the directive in their standard operating procedures (SOPs).
The World Heritage shrines, famous for Chandela-era erotic sculpture, have developed cracks due to vibration. It is believed that passengers request pilots to fly close to the temples to enable a clearer view.
In a ''Communication dated March 12, 2007 -- from the Director-General (Civil Aviation), it mentioned that Indian (formerly Indian Airlines) planes were flying close to the monuments,'' the Archaeological Survey of India's Superintending Archaeologist (Bhopal Circle) K K Mohammad told UNI.
The letter contained a reference to the Director-General, ASI, stating that the aircraft were flying rather close to the temples.
Following a complaint from the ASI, Bhopal, the Aerodrome Controller, Khajuraho, last October directed the station managers of Indian and Jet Airways to follow SOPs.
The ASI was concerned on account of proposals for a new series of five-star hotels at Khajuraho and exercises towards international status to the airport there.
In a letter to the Controller, Airports Authority of India, Mr Mohammad said, ''vibration during landing has caused extensive damage to the western group of temples, particularly the Nandi and Vishwanath shrines.'' The Delhi-based National Physical Laboratory's report had suggested a ban on flight in the temples' vicinity, he added.
UNI
The World Heritage shrines, famous for Chandela-era erotic sculpture, have developed cracks due to vibration. It is believed that passengers request pilots to fly close to the temples to enable a clearer view.
In a ''Communication dated March 12, 2007 -- from the Director-General (Civil Aviation), it mentioned that Indian (formerly Indian Airlines) planes were flying close to the monuments,'' the Archaeological Survey of India's Superintending Archaeologist (Bhopal Circle) K K Mohammad told UNI.
The letter contained a reference to the Director-General, ASI, stating that the aircraft were flying rather close to the temples.
Following a complaint from the ASI, Bhopal, the Aerodrome Controller, Khajuraho, last October directed the station managers of Indian and Jet Airways to follow SOPs.
The ASI was concerned on account of proposals for a new series of five-star hotels at Khajuraho and exercises towards international status to the airport there.
In a letter to the Controller, Airports Authority of India, Mr Mohammad said, ''vibration during landing has caused extensive damage to the western group of temples, particularly the Nandi and Vishwanath shrines.'' The Delhi-based National Physical Laboratory's report had suggested a ban on flight in the temples' vicinity, he added.
UNI
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