Bhogapuram airport to be developed as bird strike-free zone: Collector
District Collector S. Ramsunder Reddy has directed officials to strengthen safety measures at Bhogapuram International Airport, with a special focus on preventing bird strikes and wildlife-related risks.
Chairing the second meeting of the Aerodrome Environment Management Committee at the airport on Thursday, the Collector stressed strict adherence to international aviation safety standards, particularly during aircraft take-off and landing operations. He called for maintaining a safe, eco-friendly, and sustainable environment around the airport.
Officials were instructed to prevent the movement of birds, stray dogs, and other wildlife within a 10-km radius of the airport. The Collector said the region should function effectively as a “bird strike-free zone” to reduce aviation hazards.
He also flagged sanitation concerns, noting that meat shops and improper waste disposal in the airport vicinity were attracting birds and increasing safety risks. He directed authorities to enforce strict cleanliness measures and implement a robust solid waste management system across the surrounding areas. While the current situation was described as satisfactory, he stressed the need for continuous monitoring.
The Collector underlined the importance of coordination between airport authorities and local administrative departments. The District Panchayat Officer was asked to issue directions to EOPRDs, MPDOs, and panchayat secretaries in nearby areas to ensure compliance.
Highlighting community involvement, he said awareness programmes would be conducted in around 21 villages near the airport to educate residents on sanitation practices, regulations, and aviation safety. He instructed officials to launch the programmes without delay.
Later, the Collector reviewed the progress of airport construction through a PowerPoint presentation.
Officials, including Bhogapuram Airport Chief Operating Officer Lucky Verma Bhaskar, CEO Kanwar Beer Singh Kalra, Project Head BHA Ramaraju, wildlife expert Bibhu Dutta Padi, and senior district and forest department officers, attended the meeting.