Bird Hit at Pune Airport: Air India flight was grounded due to a bird strike at Pune International Airport just two days before. Director Santosh Dhoke had raised a red flag with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) regarding increasing bird activity caused by garbage dumping and unauthorised constructions around the airport premises.
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In a letter written to PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram on June 18, Dhoke highlighted three critical issues posing safety threats to flight operations at Pune Airport. The letter mentioned the emergence of temporary structures like shops, garages, godowns, and scrap yards around the eastern and western walls of the airport — allegedly without necessary permissions.
Dhoke flagged frequent dumping of waste by unidentified individuals along the perimeter walls, particularly in the east and west sectors. These are directly under aircraft approach and departure paths, increasing the risk of bird strikes. It also pointed to unclear land development activity in surrounding areas, without confirmation of regulatory compliance or zoning approvals.
Let us tell you, an Air India flight was grounded at Pune Airport after a bird hit was detected post-landing. The return flight to Delhi was subsequently cancelled.
June 5: A Delhi-to-Pune flight was diverted to Surat following reports of bird activity near the airport.
In his communication, Dhoke emphasized the urgent safety threat posed by birds in flight paths due to environmental mismanagement:
“Garbage dumping at both ends of the airport’s perimeter wall has significantly increased bird activity in the area. These spots lie directly in the aircraft approach/departure paths and pose serious safety hazards.”
The letter urged PMC to verify the status of the said establishments and activities and take immediate remedial action.
The issue has once again brought into focus the vulnerability of Indian airports to bird strikes, especially those in urban environments where waste disposal remains unchecked.
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