DARBHANGA, Nov. 29 -- Delay in the issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Water Resources Department (WRD) for modifying a portion of the earthen embankment has slowed down the installation of the CAT-II approach lighting system at Darbhanga airport. The hold-up is likely to impact flight operations at the Darbhanga airport during the fog-prone winter months. Since the civil enclave became operational at the Darbhanga Air Force Station on November 8, 2020, flight cancellations during winter have severely inconvenienced passengers. Over 3 million passengers have used the airport so far, making it one of the most successful RCS-UDAN airports in the country. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has sought the NOC from the WRD to lower a portion of the existing earthen bund to facilitate the installation of CAT-II approach lights and the construction of two new link taxiways. The request, dated October 21, 2025, includes detailed clarifications addressing concerns related to flood safety in both the airport and adjoining Air Force areas. According to a letter issued by Chandan Kumar Talukdar, Deputy General Manager (Engineering-Civil), AAI Darbhanga, the two link taxiways - intended to connect the runway with the apron - require cutting through the existing bund. The AAI has assured the WRD that these modifications will not compromise flood protection. The communication points out that the new terminal building, being constructed in front of the bund, has a plinth level significantly higher than the top of the existing embankment. A comprehensive drainage system is also under development to ensure efficient flood control across the apron and terminal areas. "Flood water shall not affect the runway or Air Force area due to construction of link taxiways across the earthen bund," the letter states. To meet CAT-II technical requirements, AAI has proposed reducing the height of a redundant 175-metre stretch of the old bund. Relevant engineering drawings have been submitted along with the proposal. Officials from the flood division, including the assistant engineer and executive engineer, recently inspected the site. According to AAI, both officers expressed satisfaction with the existing flood-protection measures. AAI has urged the WRD to grant the NOC at the earliest so that work on the link taxiways and CAT-II lighting-critical for improving aircraft operations during low visibility-can progress without delay....