Kolkata Airport Seeks Measures To Reduce Bird Hit Incidents

Kolkata: Airfield Environment Manment Committee (AEMC) of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata is concerned about rising number of bird hits at airport. committee, led by West Bengal’s Home Secretary Nandini Chakravorty, has asked local authorities to take measures to minimize such incidents. During a meeting held on Saturday, Director of Kolkata airport, Dr Pravat Ranjan Beuria, reported 18 bird hit incidents at airport this year from January 1 to vember 7, which is a cause for concern. committee aims to enhance air security and ensure passenger safety.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is an international airport serving Kolkata and Kolkata metropolitan area. It is primary aviation hub for eastern and rastern India. 

airport area is surrounded by five municipalities and all civic bodies have been asked to carry out garb cleaning on a regular basis.

Garb dumps, open drains, butcher shops, fish stalls and waste food are major sources of attraction for birds.

AEMC chairperson suggested that municipal authorities sensitise people and create awareness among those living near airport, Airports Authority India (AAI) sources said.

“Discussions were held on environmental issues pertaining to airport such as maintaining cleanliness of areas surrounding airport by removal of garb, cleaning of drains, trimming of trees to curb activities of birds in airport area endangering aircraft safety,” airport director told PTI.

During review, it was found that Mhyamgram Municipality has taken prompt action in regular cleaning of garb and it was appreciated by all members and Chakravorty.

She vised all or municipalities to follow same, airport director said.

"Ensuring safe skies! Principal Secretary, West Bengal Govt. chaired Airfield Environment Manment Committee (AEMC) meeting at #KolkataAirport to dress bird activity concerns. Effective strategies were discussed to enhance air security,” Kolkata airport posted on X.

In dition, committee also held discussion on interference caused by laser lights around airport area. It was decided that police will take action against such activities.

Laser lights cause problems for pilots while operating flights during operations. Eight to nine such incidents were reported by pilots in 2023.