Jammu, March 26, KNT: Concerns over bird strike risks near Jammu Airport resurfaced on Thursday as senior officials acknowledged that garbage dumping and carcass disposal continue to attract bird activity in the vicinity of the airfield.
The issue was reviewed in a meeting chaired by Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, attended by civil, municipal and Air Force officials, amid ongoing concerns over aviation safety in the area.
Despite previous directives, the persistence of waste dumping near the airport indicates gaps in enforcement and coordination among agencies responsible for sanitation and regulation, officials indicated during the बैठक.
Officials said open garbage dumping and disposal of dead animals in nearby areas remain key factors drawing birds close to flight paths, posing potential risks to aircraft operations.
The Divisional Commissioner directed the Deputy Commissioner Jammu to issue fresh orders banning such practices and called for visible enforcement of penalties to deter violations.
However, the need for repeated instructions has raised questions about the effectiveness of earlier measures and on-ground monitoring.
The meeting also flagged the dumping of waste into the Landoi nallah near the airport, with officials proposing fencing of bridges to prevent further dumping.
Unauthorized construction in the airport’s vicinity was also discussed, with authorities indicating that such activities could complicate safety management in the area.
Officials sought an Action Taken Report on previous decisions, suggesting that compliance has been partial or inconsistent.
While the administration maintained that door-to-door garbage collection is being carried out by the Cantonment Board and Jammu Municipal Corporation, concerns remain over illegal dumping and enforcement gaps.
Experts note that bird strikes pose a serious aviation hazard, particularly in areas where waste management practices are weak and attract large flocks of birds.
The latest review signals renewed focus on the issue, though the effectiveness of measures will depend on sustained enforcement rather than periodic directives. [KNT]
