The air traffic is growing very fast in Nagpur as the citizens are realising the convenience of air travel. But, on the other hand, it also points to the endangering when it comes to the safety of aircraft, passengers and nearby skyscrapers. This can be attributed to the illegal mutton market and other regular weekly markets in close vicinity of the flight safety funnel and the garbage strewn all around, which attracts the birds and ultimately causes bird hits to the aircraft, proving detrimental to the safety of the aircraft and its passengers. Nagpur airport, at times, also witnesses dogs crossing the runway, again for food available in the mutton market. The high-rise buildings surrounding the aircraft pathway (approach and take off funnel) endangers the flight path of the aircraft, which otherwise is required to be cleared of all obstructions, including high rise buildings, if any. All this at the cost of precious human life, which demands a thorough review.

 

It needs to be appreciated that, with the ever increasing demand of air travel, there is bound to be an increase in flights, which will further expose the safety concerns at Nagpur airport. Recent bird hits to two flights bear testimony to this concern. Presently, the Nagpur airport is handling almost 31-35 flights daily catering to almost 2.9-3.0 million passengers every year. The airport covers almost 12-15 domestic destinations and international routes. Being the 27th busiest airport in India, it is slated for expansion, which translates to an increase in passenger capacity upto 3 to 4 million in the very near future.

 

A marginally high number in such a short span. It needs to be logically understood that more the flights, more the passengers and more are the chances of accidents/incidents. Thus, it can be seen that there is scant respect for passenger safety at such a prestigious international airport. Dangers to the flights: To begin with, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), which is entrusted with the shifting of the mutton market, has not been able to carry out its task due to obstinate nature of the sellers, lack of proper place for their relocation, maybe sympathy for small vendors towards their livelihood. But they need to address this issue and resolve at the earliest thereby showing concern and urgency towards passenger safety.

 

This mutton market has also become a nuisance to the residents of the area. Any request from the airport is reciprocated by protests from the citizens, thereby risking the safe flying environment. Then comes the heaps of garbage strewn all around by the citizens and non-clearance of the same. It also attracts birds and animals. Incidentally, this is also under the aegis of the NMC. But again, little action seems to have been initiated. Here, it will be worth mentioning that citizens are more responsible or irresponsible as they throw the garbage inspite of door to door collection. Therefore, solely blaming the NMC will be incorrect. Next come the multi-storied buildings whose height restriction within the vicinity of the aerodrome is of paramount importance. But, once again, the department of NMC overseeing the implementation turns a blind eye, thereby jeopardising passenger safety. Rampant un-checked infrastructure boom is the root cause of this flight safety hazard. Next is the newly inaugurated Oxygen Park on the highway, which is likely to attract local as well as migratory birds. In a few years’ time, this will also be a flight safety hazard and an area of bird hit. Agencies involved in safe flying operations: NMC: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is supposed to keep the ground surroundings clean and clear especially of any eatables that attract birds and animals.

 

They should also ensure that no projections from any building protrude beyond the laid down limit for safety of the aeroplane, passengers and the residents. MADC: Maharashtra Airport Development Company, with a little role to play, can become a co-ordinating agency and can play a pivotal role in helping agencies to provide a safe flying environment. ATC: Air Traffic Control (Aerodrome Control), though not mandatory, however, if possible, may provide bird information to the Pilot so as to help him make a safe decision. DGCA: The most important authority to oversee the safe flying environment, safety of aircraft and its passengers. However, it is seen that the decision of aircraft and passenger safety lies with the Pilot, who otherwise has no role in providing a safe flying environment. Way Ahead Considering the ever increasing air traffic, the VIP/VVIP flights, the Indian Air Force flights and most importantly, flying by the trainee pilots of the Nagpur Flying Club, it will be prudent to provide an absolutely safe flying environment by all the agencies involved by working in unison as a team. In this regard, regular co-ordination committee meetings need be held amongst all the stakeholders and steps suggested towards a safe flying environment be implemented in letter and spirit. Though every rule exists on paper, its poor implementation is a harsh reality.