Mangaluru: A video showing an aircraft flying at a low altitude over parts of Dakshina Kannada district has sparked concern among residents after it went viral on social media. Authorities have assured the public that the flight was part of a planned scientific survey and there is no cause for alarm.

Officials said the aircraft is engaged in an airborne geophysical survey being conducted for the Geological Survey of India (GSI). The survey is aimed at identifying potential mineral deposits in areas classified as having Obvious Geological Potential (OGP).

The project is being carried out by a non-scheduled operator using a Cessna Caravan 208B aircraft, deployed by Xcalibur McPhar Private Limited. The survey involves advanced multi-sensor equipment, including magnetic gradiometers and radiometer sensors, which require the aircraft to operate at low altitudes to collect accurate data.

A foreign-registered aircraft operated by Xcalibur Aviation is being used under a wet lease arrangement by Himalayan Heli Services Limited. The entire operation has been authorised by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Two aircraft are currently conducting surveys across various districts in Karnataka. The operations are scheduled to continue until July 31, with Mangaluru and Shivamogga airports serving as base stations.

Authorities have appealed to the public not to panic or circulate unverified information regarding the low-flying aircraft.