Surat airport taxiway clears final hurdle as Yakshini tree transplanted
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
urat: Surat airport authorities have finally removed and transplanted a tree that was obstructing the newly constructed parallel taxiway, enabling its operationalisation.
The 10-foot tree, believed to be the sacred abode of a Yakshini (a female nature spirit), was shifted within the airport premises rather than being cut down due to religious beliefs.
The 2,905-metre taxiway, built at a cost of Rs 63 crore, has been ready since March 31. However, operations were delayed as the tree stood near the 'Lalbai Mata' temple and held religious significance for local villagers.
"The tree was considered auspicious as it was beside the temple.
We also shifted the temple structure with it. The idol had already been moved to the new location two years ago. Now that the tree is relocated, the DGCA will soon inspect the taxiway. Once approved, flight operations will become more efficient," a senior airport official said.
Officials waited for the monsoon to begin so that the tree could adapt better to its new location using natural rainwater. It has now been replanted near the airport fire station, close to gate number 3 in the operational area. Airport and fire personnel stationed nearby will care for the tree.
The matter of removing the tree was also raised earlier during an Airport Advisory Committee meeting chaired by Union minister CR Patil.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
an hour ago
- India.com
2300 people will travel on cruise, all will be completely NUDE, only condition is...; ticket prices start from Rs..., it will start from...
Representational Image A special cruise liner will depart on a 11-day journey from Miami next year, but there is a catch. All 2300 guests aboard the cruise ship will have be completely naked! Let us find out more about this bizarre, yet unique cruise dubbed the 'The Big Nude Boat' trip. What is the 'Big Nude Boat' trip? Managed and organized by Bare Necessities, a Miami-based nudist travel company, the 'The Big Nude Boat' trip which take place aboard the Norwegian Pearl cruise ship with an expected 2300 guests. Apart from valid tickets, one mandatory condition for travelers to step aboard the cruise is that they must agree to remain completely nude for most part of the journey. According to Bare Necessities, the purpose of the cruise trip is to help people get rid of the fear of social nudity and ensure they enjoy and leisurely and comfortable journey while soaking in the sun and the sea. When will the cruise journey begin? As per details, the 'The Big Nude Boat' cruise will depart Miami on February 3, 2026 and head on a 'bare-dice' 11-day journey across the Caribbean, including visits to mesmerizing islands like Great Stirrup Cay of Bahamas, St. Lucia and St. Maarten. Apart from the unique nudist experience, travelers will enjoy tons of fun activities on the cruise, such as LED parties, talent shows, and friendly sports competitions. The Norwegian Pearl also has a bowling alley, rock climbing wall, 16 types of dining options and 14 bars, including a whiskey lounge, that passengers can enjoy. Are there any rules to prevent indecent behavior? The cruise has specified certain rules to prevent rowdy behavior and public indecency by its passengers. The travelers can choose to be naked in public areas such as decks or buffets, when is ship is at sea or in port. However, passengers are required to wear clothes while the cruise is docked at the port. They can undress again once the ship departs from port. Passengers are also required to wear clothes while having food in the dining room. Additionally, no photography is allowed in the pool and dance area, while inappropriate touching and obscene acts are strictly prohibited, and could result in being deboarded from the ship. How much does the trip cost? According to details, prices for the 11-day day round trip, which includes visits to the islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Jamaica and Great Stirrup, start at $2,000 (about Rs 1.6 lakh) per person.
Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
Secure, nurturing spaces key to tribal girls' education: Arunachal Guv
Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) said that providing a secure and nurturing space would help remove the barriers that often prevent young tribal girls from continuing their education. Inaugurating the 72-room Krishna Kumari Tribal Girls' Hostel of Arunachal University of Studies (AUS) in Namsai, the Governor said that by providing a secure and nurturing space, the hostel facility would help remove the barriers that often prevent young tribal girls from continuing their education, be it distance, safety, or economic hardship. He said that the inclusive infrastructure, like a hostel for tribal girls, fulfills the need and also opens doors to their dreams. The Governor also distributed laptops to 55 students from various courses, who had demonstrated exceptional academic performance. While congratulating the students who received laptops, Lt. General Parnaik said that it is a method of empowerment. He said that a laptop is a key to knowledge and advised the students to treat it as a genuine friend, guide, and philosopher, as it would enrich their knowledge and improve their articulation. Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also attended the inaugural ceremony. He said that the laptops, provided to the students, are more than just devices, they are tools of empowerment that would open doors to learning, opportunity, and a brighter future for our students. 'In today's world, digital access is essential to growth, and I'm proud to support initiatives that prepare our youth for success. Deeply appreciate the Arunachal University of Studies for creating such thoughtful initiatives that empower students not just academically, but holistically,' the Deputy CM said. The Krishna Kumari Tribal Girls' Hostel has been built at a cost of Rs 6 crore. It comprises 68 twin-sharing rooms and 4 single-occupancy rooms, offering safe, hygienic, and fully-equipped boarding facilities. The hostel provides nutritious meals, uninterrupted Wi-Fi, 24-hour power backup, and a secure environment, ensuring that students from the tribal communities of the Northeast can pursue their education with focus and peace of mind. The laptop distribution was part of the University's 'Students and Alumni Upgrade Programme', aimed at supporting academic excellence and digital empowerment.
NDTV
6 hours ago
- NDTV
"Declare Meat, Fruits, Soil": US' Warning To People Travelling With Food At Airport
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a fresh warning to international travellers: declare all agricultural items, including meats, when entering the United States. A post on X showed a CBP detection dog inspecting a cooked pig's head wrapped in foil, along with bottles of what looked like other food items. "Travelling with food? All travellers entering the United States are REQUIRED to declare meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, animals, as well as plant and animal products they may be carrying," CBP said in the post. Traveling with food? All travelers entering the United States are REQUIRED to declare meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, animals, as well as plant and animal products they may be carrying. Figure out how: — CBP (@CBP) July 26, 2025 What Travellers Must Do CBP requires all travellers to declare any restricted goods they carry, whether in carry-on bags, checked luggage, or vehicles. They must answer "Yes" to Question 11 on CBP Declaration Form 6059B if they bring any food, agricultural goods, or have recently visited a farm or come in contact with livestock. CBP agriculture specialists at ports of entry examine all declared items and decide whether they meet US entry requirements. Why The Rule Is In Place Undeclared agricultural goods can introduce dangerous plant pests or animal diseases like foot-and-mouth or mad cow disease into the US. These threats could severely damage American agriculture and the economy. CBP enforces the rule with strict penalties. First-time offenders who fail to declare non-commercial items face fines of up to $1,000 (Rs 86,500). Commercial violations carry higher penalties. CBP also applies these rules to items sent by international mail. Item-Specific Guidelines Fruits, Vegetables, and Plants: CBP allows some items depending on their origin, provided they are pest-free and declared. Plant parts intended for growing require a phytosanitary certificate. Meat And Animal Products: CBP prohibits many fresh, dried, and canned meat products due to the risk of foreign animal diseases. Even processed products like soup or broth may be denied entry if they contain restricted meat. Live Animals and Birds: Travellers must obtain proper permits and meet quarantine and inspection requirements based on the animal's species and origin. Soil And Biological Materials: CBP bans soil without prior USDA approval. Biological specimens and other organic materials must go through inspection to prevent pest contamination. Products from Canada and Mexico are subject to special rules. For instance, Mexican avocados must be peeled, seeded, and vacuum-packed. Some fruits from Mexico and seed potatoes from Canada need permits, and items like fresh tomatoes and bell peppers are outright banned from Canadian imports.
