A recent Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) study conducted by Kolkata airport authorities has unveiled a pressing aviation safety concern: only 98 out of 377 identified obstacles within the airport’s flight path have been removed.
This revelation underscores the persistent risks posed to aircraft during critical phases of flight, such as take-offs and landings. The OLS study, a critical assessment tool for identifying potential obstructions in designated airspace zones, highlighted that while some progress has been made—such as the felling of tall trees and the dismantling of illegally constructed building floors—numerous hazards remain unaddressed. These include mobile towers, water tanks, dish antennas, lightning arresters, and unauthorized high-rise structures. The continued presence of these obstacles poses significant threats to the safe operation of aircraft.
Airport authorities have issued notices to the owners of the remaining structures, demanding their immediate removal. An official from the airport emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “We’ve flagged these obstructions multiple times. While there was some action, a substantial number of hazards still need to be dealt with.” The issue was recently deliberated upon at the Airfield Environment Management Committee (AEMC) meeting, which saw the participation of senior state officials, including the principal secretary of Hill and Home Affairs, the Bidhannagar Police commissioner, and representatives from the Public Works Department, urban development department, Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC), and other surrounding municipalities.
One of the significant challenges highlighted by municipal bodies is the delay in obtaining permissions from the state forest department for pruning or removing trees. In response, the BMC has requested the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to provide precise GPS coordinates of the trees identified for pruning. Consequently, the AAI has agreed to share the coordinates of tall trees near the airport perimeter falling under six civic jurisdictions: BMC, New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA), Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), Madhyamgram Municipal Corporation (MMC), New Barrackpore Municipality (NBM), and North Dum Dum Municipality (NDM). Among these, Madhyamgram Municipality and Rohanda Gram Panchayat have been recognized for their proactive approach, having successfully removed 52 of the 114 tall trees identified as obstructions.
The current report also includes detailed photographs and descriptions of remaining violations, such as high-rises in Rajarhat and New Town, dish antennas in Madhyamgram, lightning arresters in New Town, hoardings near BT College More, mobile towers in Michaelnagar and New Barrackpore, coconut trees in Michaelnagar, and electric poles along Jessore Road. The persistence of these obstacles not only jeopardizes flight safety but also reflects a broader issue of coordination and enforcement among various civic bodies and regulatory authorities. The delayed removal of these hazards underscores the need for a more streamlined and proactive approach to ensure the safety of air travel in and out of Kolkata.
In light of these findings, aviation experts and safety analysts are calling for immediate and concerted efforts to address the remaining obstacles. They emphasize that ensuring clear flight paths is not just a regulatory requirement but a fundamental aspect of passenger and crew safety. As Kolkata continues to grow and urbanize, the challenges of maintaining obstacle-free airspace will persist. However, with effective collaboration between airport authorities, municipal bodies, and state departments, it is possible to mitigate these risks and uphold the highest standards of aviation safety.
The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Each unaddressed obstacle represents a potential hazard, and the consequences of inaction could be dire. It is imperative that all stakeholders prioritize the removal of these obstructions to safeguard the future of air travel in Kolkata.
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