‘Zero Grass’ is the safety mantra at the Yelahanka Air Force Station, gearing up for Aero India 2021 to unfold, as the ghost of the disastrous car blaze of the previous edition looms large. Over 300 cars were gutted in a massive blaze sparked by uncut dry grass in the parking area during Aero India 2019.
Pandemic constraints will dramatically reduce the visitor turnout and car numbers this year. But the Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking no chances. The airshow organising team has already cut the grass, conducted concurrent fire safety audits and is in the process of installing CCTV coverage of all parking areas.
Disaster management is high on the airshow agenda this year. For the first time, multiple agencies tasked with safety and disaster response will conduct detailed contingency drills from January 23 to February 1.
