Tribune Impact: HC notice to Himachal govt, Kangra DC over improper waste disposal near airport

Taking cognisance of The Tribune news report pertaining to the improper waste disposal near Gaggal Airport, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has issued notices to the state government, Kangra Deputy Commissioner and airport director. They have been directed to file a status report on July 21 on the steps the state government has initiated to check movement of birds within 10-km radius of the airport.

Soon after the HC order, the Deputy Commissioner convened a meeting of officials of government, Airport Authority of India and other stakeholders.

The Tribune had last week reported that improper disposal of waste — particularly meat and organic refuse — by nearby shops and establishments into rivers, streams and wastelands near the Gaggal Airport was creating a dangerous situation. The waste has been attracting a large number of birds to the area. The increased bird activity heightens the risk of bird hit, a well-known hazard in the aviation sector that poses a serious threat to both aircraft and passenger safety.

A study conducted by the Central University of Himachal Pradesh had raised serious concerns over such threats to Kangra Airport, popularly known as Gaggal Airport.

The issue persists despite repeated alerts from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to the state government and local authorities. The CUHP study pointed out that birds such as eagles, crows, cranes, owls and pigeons were frequently seen near the airport, lured by meat and organic waste dumped in the open. Their presence in the flight path increases the likelihood of bird hit during takeoff and landing — a critical phase in flight operations.

As per the airport environment policy, slaughterhouses or meat shops are strictly prohibited in 10km radius of any airport. The CUHP study has pointed out violations of these norms around Kangra Airport.

Meanwhile, the Kangra administration has convened a high-level meeting comprising the officers of AAI and various departments of the state government to address the issue. It was also decided to start an awareness campaign near the airport to educate people on illegal dumping of waste and make them switch to scientific handling of garbage.