Kolkata Airport Safety Under Scrutiny at High-Level Committee Meeting
The Airfield Environment Management Committee (AEMC) convened a crucial meeting on Saturday to address pressing safety hazards surrounding Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. The discussions centered on multiple environmental and structural threats that significantly elevate risks during critical phases of flight operations, specifically take-off and landing.
Multiple Agencies Collaborate on Aviation Safety
The high-level gathering saw participation from key stakeholders including the airport director, senior state government officials, Bidhannagar Police Commissioner Murli Dhar, and representatives from multiple civic bodies. These included the Public Works Department (PWD), urban development department, Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC), and other relevant municipal authorities.
Obstacles in the Flight Path: Trees and Encroachments
Officials raised serious concerns about various obstacles within the airport's funnel zone—the critical airspace approach area. These hazards include tall trees that have grown beyond permissible heights and unauthorized encroachments that violate aviation safety regulations.
Municipal representatives highlighted bureaucratic challenges, noting significant delays in obtaining necessary clearances from the forest department for pruning or removing trees identified as aviation hazards. To streamline this process, the BMC specifically requested the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to provide precise GPS coordinates of all problematic trees.
In response, the committee reached an important decision: AAI will share detailed coordinates of tall trees located near the airport perimeter across six different civic jurisdictions. This coordinated approach aims to facilitate quicker action on vegetation management.
Garbage Management and Bird Strike Risks
AAI officials brought attention to another critical safety issue: lapses in garbage management around the airport perimeter. Improper waste disposal has been attracting birds to the area, substantially increasing the risk of bird strikes—a serious aviation hazard where birds collide with aircraft, potentially causing engine failure or other damage.
This environmental concern requires immediate attention as bird strikes represent one of the most common threats to aircraft safety during low-altitude operations.
Addressing Illegal Structures Around the Airport
The meeting also addressed the persistent problem of illegal constructions near the airport. An airport official revealed that authorities have sought police assistance whenever permission has been granted for demolishing unauthorized portions of buildings that violate aviation safety norms.
This collaborative approach between airport authorities and law enforcement aims to tackle the challenge of illegal structures that could potentially interfere with flight operations or emergency procedures.
The comprehensive discussion at the AEMC meeting underscores the multi-faceted approach required to maintain aviation safety standards. From environmental management to structural compliance, the committee's deliberations highlight the ongoing efforts to mitigate risks at one of Eastern India's busiest aviation hubs.
