Chandigarh, November 2 — Following concerns over increasing bird activity around Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, authorities have launched a coordinated clean-up effort to address waste mismanagement near the airport that poses a serious threat to flight safety.
A high-level meeting convened by the Chandigarh International Airport Limited (CHIAL) at the UT Guest House on Saturday led to the formation of a joint inspection team that will take immediate corrective measures. The team will include officials from the municipal corporations of Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula, along with representatives from the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and other concerned departments.
“The growing number of birds near open garbage bins, dumping sites and Resource Management Centres due to poor waste management is posing a dangerous risk to aircraft safety,” said Ajay Verma, CEO of the Airport Authority. “Within a 10-km radius of the airport, cleanliness and waste management must receive urgent attention to ensure flight safety.”
The move comes weeks after an October 4 incident in which a Delhi-Chandigarh IndiGo flight had to abort landing due to abnormal bird activity near the runway. The aircraft later landed safely nearly two hours after the initial attempt.
The meeting, attended by Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari, Anandpur Sahib MP Malvinder Singh Kang, Mohali Mayor Amarjit Singh Sidhu, Chandigarh Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla and top administrative officers of all three districts, focused on identifying and cleaning waste hotspots that attract birds.
Mohali Mayor Amarjit Singh Sidhu said his corporation had repeatedly urged the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) and the state government for funds and logistical support. “Land has been allotted in Samgoli (Dera Bassi area) for a dumping ground, but there’s no approach road yet. The road can be built within 15–20 days if approved. This would solve Mohali’s garbage issue and also help prevent potential air mishaps,” he said.
MP Manish Tewari said all departments had agreed on the need for joint field inspections and monthly progress reviews. “A follow-up meeting will be held after a month to assess the progress made on ground,” he said.
Officials said inspections will begin immediately to identify all waste disposal areas, open dumping points and garbage hotspots within the 10-km perimeter of the airport.
