Wildlife threat at Hisar airport: Forest officials deployed ahead of PM visit

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to inaugurate flight operations from the newly constructed Hisar Airport on April 14, the Haryana Government has swung into action to clear the airport premises of wild animals that pose a threat to air safety.

Concerned over the presence of wildlife, including nilgais, deer, and stray dogs within the 7,200-acre airport campus, the state government has issued urgent directives to the Forest and Wildlife Department to ensure the area is made secure for flight operations. The animals, officials say, could pose a serious risk during aircraft takeoffs and landings.

An official order from G Anupama, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Environment, Forests, and Wildlife, directed senior officials to take immediate charge of the situation. The directive reads, “Dr Vivek Saxena, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW), along with Sunder Lal, IFS, In-charge Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Gurugram, shall be stationed at Hisar starting April 7.”

The officers have been instructed to mobilise all resources at their disposal to rescue wild animals from the airport campus. They have been asked to coordinate with the Hisar Deputy Commissioner, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the airport, and other relevant authorities. A compliance report has been sought by April 10.

Reports indicate that the issue had been festering for some time. Local Forest and Wildlife Department staff had previously attempted to clear the animals but faced challenges due to the vast expanse of the airport land and breaches in the boundary wall.

“The area is massive — about 7,200 acres — and the boundary wall has vulnerable points where the foundation has been compromised. These gaps have made it easy for animals to enter,” said a source familiar with the matter. Allegations have earlier been raised about poor-quality construction of the Rs 22-crore boundary wall, which is now under scrutiny.

As the situation grew more urgent, the department began deploying additional personnel for intensified combing operations. The goal is to ensure complete removal of wildlife from the premises before the PM's visit.

The seriousness of the issue has now been acknowledged by the state government and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which have stepped up efforts to ensure safety and readiness of the airport.

Speaking to The Tribune, Haryana’s Adviser for Civil Aviation, Narhari Singh Bangar, confirmed the ongoing operation. “A combing operation is underway at the airport campus, and it will be completed soon,” he said. Bangar also chaired a review meeting today to assess preparations.

Sources also said Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini is expected to visit Hisar on April 8 to personally inspect the arrangements ahead of the Prime Minister’s arrival.