DGCA & States to Oversee 400 'Uncontrolled' Airstrips After Ajit Pawar's Plane Crash

• Civil Aviation Ministry launches nationwide review of 400 uncontrolled airstrips to create uniform operating standards.
• The initiative follows the January 28 Baramati plane crash involving Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, highlighting safety risks.
• DGCA teams are reviewing safety practices at Category A airports, which lack air traffic control services.
• Many uncontrolled airstrips, owned by state governments, fall outside DGCA's regular surveillance framework.
• Aviation analysts suggest inexpensive basic safety infrastructure like windsocks, weather monitoring, and regular inspections.