Patna Airport to Get Safety Overhaul: Commissioner Orders Stricter Compliance and Civic Upgrades
Patna: Mayank Warwade, Commissioner of Patna Division and Co-Chairman of the Airport Environment Management Committee (AEMC), has emphasized the need for improved civic amenities and strict adherence to safety standards at Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport.
Addressing a meeting of the AEMC at Patna Airport’s conference hall, Warwade highlighted the importance of ensuring safe air traffic and urged for coordinated efforts between various stakeholders to maintain the highest levels of passenger safety.
Warwade stressed that the airport plays a critical role in public convenience, and the administration’s priority is the safety of passengers. He urged the adoption of global standards in environmental management and sustainable development to ensure smooth and safe airport operations. He also pointed out that compliance with the standards set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is essential for the safe operation of all airports.
During the meeting, municipal executive officers from Phulwarisharif, Danapur, and Nutan Rajdhani Zone updated the Commissioner on actions taken to control open meat and fish markets, including pasting notices and painting walls to raise awareness. Warwade directed the officials to continue these efforts, following the provisions of relevant laws. He also stressed the need for regular campaigns to educate shopkeepers about public safety and the importance of adhering to the Animal Cruelty Act, Pollution Control Act, and other applicable regulations.
Warwade noted that selling meat and fish in the open not only poses a threat to safe aircraft operations but also endangers public health. He emphasized the importance of reducing bird-attraction sources around the airport to prevent incidents involving bird strikes. He directed municipal officers to ensure that shops around the airport operate according to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) outlined in Rule 91 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, and that garbage is properly disposed of to prevent bird-related risks.
Officials from the Civil Aviation Department briefed the Commissioner on the removal of encroachments in areas surrounding the airport and the ongoing efforts to control illegal markets. Warwade expressed satisfaction with these measures and directed the team to remain vigilant in maintaining passenger safety.
In addition to these directives, Warwade also reviewed the installation of CAT-I lights, the progress of the Doppler Very High Frequency Omni Directional Range (DVOR) system, and the need for tree pruning according to the Optical Landing System (OLS) survey. He emphasized that these measures are crucial for ensuring safe flight operations.
The Commissioner also reviewed the status of previous decisions and their compliance. The Civil Aviation Department gave a detailed presentation on the airport’s security and development, including traffic flow management and the expansion work at Patna Airport. The need for transferring Nilgais from the Bihta Air Force Station and improving waste management near the airport was also discussed in detail.
Warwade urged all departments, including the Road Construction Department, Patna Municipal Corporation, Forest and Environment Department, and the Urban Development Department, to coordinate their efforts and complete all required works on time to ensure safe air traffic. The Commissioner also directed the Municipal Corporation to continue their campaign to control stray dogs at the airport.
The meeting was attended by District Magistrate Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police Rajiv Mishra, Municipal Commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar, officials from the Indian Air Force, Forest Department, and other key stakeholders.
