Patna: Concerned over the growing risk of bird strikes near Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, the Patna administration has ordered a crackdown on open meat and fish shops, improper garbage disposal and other activities that attract birds to ensure safer flight operations.Chairing a meeting of the Airport Environment Management Committee (AEMC) on Tuesday, Patna divisional commissioner Mayank Warwade said passenger safety and secure aircraft operations remained the administration’s top priority. He directed all departments to strictly enforce aviation safety norms and improve coordination to eliminate hazards around the airport.Warwade asked civic bodies in Phulwarisharif, Danapur and the New Capital circle to ensure meat and fish shops operate only as per the prescribed standard operating procedure (SOP) and that garbage is disposed of scientifically to reduce bird activity. He also ordered regular inspections, awareness campaigns, wall paintings, notices for shopkeepers and legal action against violators.Warwade said open meat and fish trading near the airport posed a threat to aircraft safety and was also a public health concern. He directed municipal authorities to enforce Rule 91 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, within the airport safety zone and continue removing bird-attracting sources.Officials said several meat shops had already been removed from the Phulwari Sharif municipal area, encroachments cleared in parts of Danapur and the New Capital area, and sanitation and waste management drives intensified.Warwade also directed officials to expedite installation of CAT-I lighting, facilitate commissioning of the Doppler Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (DVOR) navigation system after necessary approvals, and prune trees based on the Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) survey.He further directed the urban development and housing department to improve drainage and cleanliness around the airport, while the Patna municipal commissioner was asked to continue drives against stray dogs. Warwade said there could be no compromise on passenger safety.
