The increasing number of bird strike incidents at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBI) has raised significant concerns, prompting the Aerodrome Environment Management Committee (AEMC) to urge local authorities to take measures to mitigate these risks.

At a meeting held on Saturday, chaired by West Bengal Home Minister Nandini Chakravorty, who also heads the AEMC, strategies to improve airspace security were discussed. The session was convened by Dr Pravat Ranjan Beuria, Director of Kolkata Airport.

According to Beuria, 18 bird strikes were reported at the airport between January 1 and November 7 this year, which he called a worrying trend. The airport is surrounded by five municipalities and the AEMC has called on all local authorities to step up their efforts to manage waste and reduce attraction to birds.

In a statement on X, Kolkata Airport confirmed: “Ensuring safe skies! The Principal Secretary to the Government of West Bengal chaired the Aerodrome Environment Management Committee (AEMC) meeting at the Kolkata airport to address concerns over bird activity. Effective strategies were discussed to improve airspace security. “.

“Ensuring safe skies! The Principal Secretary to the Government of West Bengal chaired the meeting of the Aerodrome Environment Management Committee (AEMC) in #Colcutta Airport to address concerns related to bird activity. Effective strategies were discussed to enhance airspace security. pic.twitter.com/MxR6RfHcsH

– Kolkata Airport (@aaikolairport) November 9, 2024

Landfills, open sewers, fish markets, butcher shops and discarded food attract birds, posing a serious danger to aircraft safety. The committee also suggested creating awareness among local people about the dangers of bird activity near the airport.

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At the meeting, Chakravorty stressed the need for regular removal of waste, cleaning of drains and pruning of trees around the airport to avoid bird-related disturbances. “Discussions were held on environmental issues related to the airport, such as maintaining cleanliness and limiting activities that endanger the safety of aircraft,” Beuria said.

The Madhyamgram Municipality was recognized for its prompt and consistent efforts in clearing garbage, with all members praising their work. Chakravorty advised other municipalities to adopt similar measures to effectively address the problem.

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