In a significant safety move, Tripura’s Airfield Environment Management Committee (AEMC) has recommended the creation of a 10-kilometre bird-free zone around Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport. The recommendation aims to prevent bird strikes that could endanger aircraft and passengers.
The committee, led by Airport Director Rajiv Kapoor, raised serious concerns about the rising incidents of bird activity near the airport. These pose a growing risk to flights, particularly during takeoff and landing.
Bird strikes: A growing concern
Bird strikes are not new, but their frequency has increased in recent years. MBB Airport has witnessed multiple near-miss incidents, prompting the civil aviation authorities to step in. The AEMC met this week and urged the state administration to act swiftly.
“Flight safety is our top priority. The presence of open garbage dumps, fish markets, and stagnant water bodies within a 10-km radius is attracting large numbers of birds,” said Kapoor. He noted that the committee would collaborate with local authorities to reduce attractants.
What the bird-free zone means
The proposed bird-free zone will include:
- Regulation of waste disposal near the airport.
- Monitoring of open meat and fish markets.
- Prevention of illegal slaughterhouses.
- Management of water-logged areas that serve as bird breeding grounds.
Officials say these changes are necessary to comply with guidelines set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). According to international standards, airports must maintain a safe bird-hazard-free zone in surrounding areas.
District administration on board
West Tripura District Magistrate Dr Vishal Singh, who was also present at the AEMC meeting, assured support from local civic bodies. He promised prompt action to clear garbage sites, drain clogged areas, and conduct awareness drives.
“We will deploy joint teams with the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and municipal officials. Compliance from residents and shopkeepers will be essential,” Singh said.
Stakeholder cooperation essential
The AEMC also plans to work with Tripura State Pollution Control Board and the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC). Joint inspections will begin within the next two weeks.
An AMC official confirmed that they would start mapping all major garbage hotspots and open vending zones. “We are fully committed to improving airport zone safety,” said the official.
Frequent bird activity endangers flights
Earlier this year, an Indigo flight bound for Kolkata from Agartala had to delay takeoff after birds hovered near the runway. Though no damage occurred, it raised alarm among airport staff and passengers.
Such incidents can cause engine damage, forced landings, and even mid-air emergencies. In rare cases, they have led to major aviation accidents globally.
MBB Airport’s growing traffic
With more domestic flights being added and plans for international operations on the horizon, the MBB Airport is seeing increased air traffic. Safety measures must keep pace, authorities insist.
“We cannot afford complacency,” said Kapoor. “A proactive strategy will not only secure our skies but build trust among travellers.”
Call to action
The AEMC has urged the public to report any illegal waste dumping or slaughter activity near the airport. Hotlines and WhatsApp numbers will soon be released for easier citizen reporting.
Meanwhile, the state government is expected to pass an official notification mandating strict compliance within the proposed bird-free zone.
The push for a 10-km bird-free zone around Tripura’s MBB Airport marks a major step toward enhanced aviation safety. With growing air traffic and risks of bird strikes, the collaborative approach between airport officials and civic agencies aims to protect passengers and ensure uninterrupted flight operations.