The safety of aircraft operations at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport, Kolkata, a high-level meeting was convened, spearheaded by Nandhini Chakraborty, Principal Secretary to the Bengal government.
The discussions primarily focused on mitigating environmental hazards, most notably bird strike incidents and improving overall airport perimeter management. This proactive engagement between state authorities and aviation stakeholders underscores a robust commitment to ensuring a safe and efficient air travel environment, aligning with the broader objective of developing resilient and eco-friendly urban infrastructure. The meeting, held on Friday, saw the participation of key officials, including Dr. P.R. Beuria, Director of NSCBI Airport, senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers from West Bengal, representatives from the Airports Authority of India (AAI), municipal bodies, other departmental officials, and airline representatives. This multi-agency approach reflects the complex nature of airport safety, which requires collaborative efforts across various governmental and operational domains. While bird strike incidents have historically been a significant concern for AAI officials, Dr. Beuria informed the committee that recent preventive measures have led to a decrease in such occurrences, a positive indicator of the ongoing efforts.
The Principal Secretary issued clear directives to maintain and intensify these preventive measures with the ultimate goal of achieving zero bird strike incidents. AAI’s proactive engagement with a specialised agency to conduct a comprehensive bird study has yielded valuable insights, the reports of which have been shared with local municipalities and other relevant stakeholders. This data-driven approach is crucial for understanding bird behaviour patterns and implementing effective deterrents around the airport’s critical flight paths, thereby minimising risks to both aircraft and passengers. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing environmental hygiene, specifically focusing on garbage collection and drain cleaning in the areas surrounding the airport. Representatives from the concerned municipalities reported that ongoing cleanup efforts are being intensified, including the strategic installation of closed garbage vats. The District Magistrate of North 24 Parganas further affirmed that the local administration conducts periodic inspections and cleanup drives, recognising that accumulated garbage is a primary attractant for birds, drawing them into the flight approach paths and runway areas. This heightened focus on waste management is critical, given that in 2024, the state government had already raised concerns with five municipal bodies surrounding the airport regarding cleanliness standards.
The Principal Secretary underscored the importance of sustained vigilance in maintaining cleanliness around the airport perimeter. She also advised all stakeholders to ensure that there is no waterlogging near the airport area and that drains are properly cleaned to facilitate the free flow of rainwater. These measures are particularly crucial ahead of the monsoon season, as waterlogged areas can further attract birds and create hazardous conditions. Furthermore, authorities informed the meeting that steps are being taken to evict unauthorised fish and meat vendors from the airport vicinity, as their operations often contribute to waste accumulation and attract avian populations. In an effort to remove physical obstructions to aircraft operations, the Airport Director confirmed that coordinates of tall trees and other obstacles within the airport’s operational zone have been shared with local authorities, and several of these have already been cleared. The paramount importance of aircraft safety was reiterated, with a commitment to taking all necessary steps to ensure secure flight operations. Additionally, the Principal Secretary instructed municipal authorities and the police department to strictly restrict laser activity in designated laser beam-free and laser beam-critical flight zones, mitigating potential distractions for pilots during critical phases of flight.
Kolkata airport, now the fifth busiest in India, is equipped to handle Code-E wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A330, managing over 400 daily flight movements. The robust safety review and coordinated efforts between the Bengal government and AAI are crucial for maintaining the airport’s operational efficiency and ensuring the highest standards of safety for the millions of passengers it serves annually. This multi-faceted approach towards environmental management, waste control, and obstacle clearance positions Kolkata airport as a model for comprehensive aviation safety in a rapidly urbanising landscape.
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