Kolkata: The Airfield Environment Management Committee (AEMC) of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata is concerned about the rising number of bird hits at the airport. The 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, the Director of Kolkata airport, Dr Pravat Ranjan Beuria, reported 18 bird hit incidents at the airport this year from January 1 to November 7, which is a cause for concern. The committee aims to enhance airspace security and ensure passenger safety.

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

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

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

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

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

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

She advised all other municipalities to follow the same, the airport director said.

“Ensuring safe skies! The Principal Secretary, West Bengal Govt. chaired the Airfield Environment Management Committee (AEMC) meeting at #KolkataAirport to address bird activity concerns. Effective strategies were discussed to enhance airspace security,” the Kolkata airport posted on X.

In addition, the committee also held discussion on interference caused by laser lights around the airport area. It was decided that the 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.