The increasing number of bird strike incidents at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport in Kolkata has raised significant concerns, prompting the Airport Environmental Management Committee (AEMC) to call on local authorities to take action to reduce these risks.

Strategies to improve airspace security were discussed at the meeting held on Saturday, chaired by West Bengal Home Minister Nandini Chakravorty, who also leads the AEMC. The session was attended by Kolkata Airport Director Dr. Edited by Pravat Ranjan Beuria.

According to Beuria, 18 bird strike incidents were reported to the airport between January 1 and November 7 this year, which he described as a worrying trend. The airport is surrounded by five municipalities and the AEMC has called on all local civic bodies to step up efforts to manage waste and reduce bird attraction.

In a statement on effective strategies were discussed.

“Ensuring safe skies! Principal Secretary, Government of West Bengal chaired the Airport Environmental Management Committee (AEMC) meeting. #KolkataAirport to address bird activity concerns. Effective strategies to improve airspace security were discussed. pic.twitter.com/MxR6RfHcsH

— Kolkata Airport (@aaikolairport) 9 November 2024

Landfills, open sewers, fish markets, butcher shops and discarded food are known to attract birds that pose a serious threat to aircraft safety. The committee also recommended creating awareness among local people about the dangers of bird activities near the airport.

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At the meeting, Chakravorty emphasized that garbage should be cleared regularly, sewers should be cleaned and trees around the airport should be pruned to prevent disruptions caused by birds. “Discussions were held on environmental issues related to the airport, such as maintaining cleanliness and preventing activities that endanger aircraft safety,” Beuria said. he said.

Madhyamgram Municipal Corporation was appreciated for its quick and regular garbage clearance work and all members praised their work. Chakravorty advised other municipalities to take similar measures to effectively combat the problem.

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The committee addressed concerns about laser light interference around the airport. It was decided that the police would take strict action against such incidents, which are known to disturb pilots during flight operations. Last year, pilots reported eight to nine such laser-related incidents.