Punjab to protect
airplanes against threat of bird strike
In a major step to enhance aviation safety, the
Punjab government has designated several key areas around Lahore’s Allama Iqbal
International Airport as No Bird Zones.
The initiative, launched under directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz
Sharif, aims to reduce the risk of bird strikes during aircraft takeoff and
landing.
Targeted
Areas Include:
·
Lahore Eastern Bypass
·
Manawan Hospital
·
Dahori Wala
·
Pakistan Kidney and Liver
Institute (PKLI)
·
Chungi Amar Sidhu
·
Ichhra
·
Chah Miran
Strict
Enforcement Measures
The Punjab Wildlife Department, Environmental
Protection Authority, and district authorities have been tasked with immediate
enforcement. Key actions include:
·
Closure of illegal poultry
farms and slaughterhouses near the airport
·
Ban on open garbage dumping
·
Mandatory use of covered
waste bins
·
Prohibition of rooftop bird
feeding and mass pigeon flying
·
Restrictions on bird
feeding at shrines
·
Crackdown on open washing
of animal hides near tannery zones
Read
More Notice
issued over increased bird activity near Lahore Airport
Wildlife Rangers have been deployed to ensure
compliance. Violators will face fines and possible arrest under the Punjab
Wildlife Act.
Aviation
Safety in Focus
According to the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA), over
90% of bird strikes occur below 3,000 feet—primarily during takeoff and
landing. Officials say these preventive measures align with global aviation
safety protocols and are critical for protecting lives.
Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb described the
operation as a “ring-fencing strategy” modeled on international best practices,
emphasizing its importance in preventing air travel disruptions and
aviation-related accidents.
Source: Bloom Pakistan