metro india news  I nizamabad

Tension prevailed at Giriraj Government Degree College grounds after some stalls and welcome arches, which were erected for the Rythu Mahotsavam event, were damaged when a helicopter carrying Ministers landed on-site.

The three-day Rythu Mahotsavam was set to commence in Nizamabad on Monday. Officials had been notified in advance that Ministers Tummala Nageswara Rao, Jupally Krishna Rao, and Uttam Kumar Reddy would be arriving via helicopter. To accommodate this, a helipad was established a short distance from the event venue for the helicopter's arrival. However, the pilot unexpectedly chose to land within the premises leading to the mishap.

This incident resulted in a significant amount of dust being stirred up by the helicopter's wings due to the wind. Consequently, the welcome arches erected at the Rythu Mahotsavam venue collapsed, prompting attendees to flee the area. Fortunately, the Ministers did not suffer any serious injuries. However, a few of the 150 stalls showcasing agricultural products collapsed. Reports indicate that the police, who arrived to ensure security for the event, sustained minor injuries. Nonetheless, officials assured that there were no serious incidents and that the Ministers were unharmed.

It’s worth noting that Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy had a near-miss last week while arriving in Nagar Kurnool by helicopter for the Bhu Bharathi Act-2025 program. While the helicopter was landing at the Collectorate, a gunshot was fired as a signal, which resulted in a fire igniting in the dry grass surrounding the helipad. Fire and police personnel quickly extinguished the flames, and the helicopter landed without incident.