Patna: Laser lights, birds, stray dogs and poor waste management are among the issues that have prompted a fresh safety push around Patna airport.
The administration has ordered closer monitoring of activities around the airport after officials reviewed potential risks to aircraft operations. The measures include identifying areas where laser beams could interfere with flights, controlling activities that attract birds and improving cleanliness and drainage around the airport.
The directions were issued at a meeting of the Airport Environment Management Committee (AEMC) held at Patna airport on Tuesday. Divisional Commissioner and AEMC chairman Rajesh Kumar directed departments to coordinate and ensure that safety-related measures are implemented within the prescribed timelines.
Why Laser Lights Are A Concern
Laser lights used during weddings, processions and other events can become a flight-safety concern when directed towards the sky near an airport.
Officials said bright laser beams may distract pilots and affect visibility, particularly when aircraft are operating near the airport. The commissioner therefore directed the airport director to identify locations where laser lights could affect aircraft operations.
Once these sensitive areas are identified, authorities will take measures to control the use of laser lights in those zones.
The Bird-Hit Risk Around The Airport
Bird activity is another concern because birds can be attracted to areas where food waste and other organic waste is improperly disposed of.
Authorities will particularly monitor activities within approximately a 10-kilometre radius of the airport. Open sale of meat and fish and improper disposal of their waste can attract birds, potentially increasing the risk of bird strikes involving aircraft.
Officials from Phulwarisharif, Gardanibagh municipal bodies and Patna Municipal Corporation have been directed to take action against unauthorised meat and fish shops around the airport.
The administration has also asked officials to identify permanent vending zones so that such businesses can operate in a regulated manner.
Trees, Dry Palms And Garbage Also Under Watch
Airport and municipal officials will conduct joint inspections and submit compliance reports.
The airport authority has identified trees around the airport that may require trimming. Officials have been directed to carry out necessary pruning and identify and remove dry palm trees that could pose a safety concern.
Authorities have also been instructed to ensure proper disposal of waste around the airport and along nearby railway areas. Railway officials have been asked to remove encroachments and maintain regular cleanliness in their areas.
Drainage To Be Checked Before Waterlogging Becomes A Problem
The administration has also included drainage and waterlogging in its airport safety review.
Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUDCO) has been asked to keep the drainage system around the airport in proper working condition. Airport Authority and BUDCO officials will conduct a joint inspection to identify potential drainage problems and ensure effective water flow during rainfall.
Why Stray Dogs Are Also Being Monitored
Stray dogs around the airport have also been included in the safety measures.
Patna Municipal Corporation has been instructed to take steps to shift stray dogs found around the airport to safe locations where necessary. The move forms part of a wider effort to reduce potential wildlife and animal-related risks near aircraft operations.
Departments Told Not To Wait For The Next Meeting
Commissioner Rajesh Kumar directed all concerned departments to treat aviation safety as the top priority and take action within their respective areas without waiting for another committee meeting.
The administration has called for regular joint inspections and compliance monitoring covering safety, sanitation, environmental protection and passenger facilities around the airport.
The meeting was attended by Patna Municipal Commissioner Yashpal Meena, Patna Airport Director CP Dwivedi and Commissioner’s Secretary Vinay Kumar Thakur, along with officials from municipal bodies, the Forest Department, BUDCO, Railways and other departments.
The measures are aimed at creating a safer operating environment around Patna airport by addressing risks ranging from laser interference and bird activity to stray animals, waste, trees and waterlogging.
