Patna: Efforts to relocate a municipal garbage transfer station near Patna Airport have remained stalled for more than a year, raising fresh concerns about aviation safety as the monsoon season approaches.
The transfer station, located in Gardanibagh, continues to receive large volumes of waste each day, attracting flocks of birds including crows, kites and vultures. Aviation officials fear that the growing bird activity could increase the risk of bird strikes during aircraft take-offs and landings.
The issue has repeatedly featured in discussions of the Airport Environment Committee, where concerns have been raised about the potential threat posed by the facility’s proximity to the airport.
Concerns Over Flight Safety
Patna Airport is among the country’s busiest airports, handling more than 80 flights daily. Officials say bird movement in the vicinity of the airport poses a significant operational challenge, particularly during periods of increased air traffic.
With the arrival of the monsoon, experts expect conditions around the waste facility to become even more favourable for birds, potentially increasing their numbers and their presence near aircraft flight paths.
Airport Director C.P. Dwivedi stressed the importance of maintaining strict environmental controls around the airport.
He said cleanliness must be ensured within a 15-kilometre radius of the airport and warned that no activity capable of attracting birds should be permitted near the runway area, the Secretariat zone or Phulwari Sharif.
“Any activity that attracts large flocks of birds can interfere with safe flight operations,” he said.
Relocation Deadline Missed
The Patna Municipal Corporation had previously been directed to shift the transfer station away from the airport zone and was assigned a timeline for completing the exercise.
However, despite repeated discussions and reviews, the relocation has yet to be completed.
According to municipal authorities, a new garbage transfer station is being developed in Gardanibagh at an estimated cost of Rs 11.42 crore.
Officials said around 60% of the project has been completed so far. A request for additional funds has been submitted to the concerned department, and the remaining work is expected to be completed within two months of receiving the required financial approval.
Monsoon Raises Stakes
Aviation experts warn that bird strikes can cause severe damage to aircraft engines and other critical components, posing risks to both passengers and crew.
The concern is particularly acute in Patna, where aircraft operate in a constrained airspace and low-altitude flight paths during take-off and landing.
With monsoon conditions expected to increase bird activity around waste disposal sites, officials say timely completion of the relocation project and effective measures to reduce bird congregation near the airport have become increasingly urgent.
Until those measures are implemented, the issue is likely to remain a key concern for airport authorities and aviation safety regulators.
