To ensure the safety and sustainability of flight operations, the Airfield Environment Management Committee (AEMC) of Tripura’s Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport has recommended the establishment of a bird-free zone with a 10-kilometre radius around the airport, an official said on Saturday.
This recommendation follows a tragic incident in Ahmedabad on June 12, where a private airline’s aircraft crashed shortly after take-off, resulting in the death of 274 people.
K.C. Meena, Director of MBB Airport, informed PTI that the AEMC meeting was held on Thursday under the chairmanship of West Tripura District Magistrate Vishal Kumar. The purpose of the meeting was to evaluate and enhance environmental management practices in and around the airport, thereby supporting safe and efficient flight operations.
Key topics discussed included bird hazard prevention, proper solid waste management near the airport, and improved coordination among various agencies to maintain an eco-friendly and secure airfield environment.
“We strongly propose a 10-km bird-free radius around the airport to minimize risks and enhance the safety and sustainability of aviation activities,” said Meena. He added that such measures would help preserve the airport’s surrounding ecosystem while ensuring operational safety.
Meena stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration and swift action among all stakeholders to mitigate environmental threats to aviation.
He also noted that the District Magistrate has pledged full support from the district administration to implement the recommended measures and improve coordination across departments.
The meeting saw active involvement from key stakeholders, including representatives from Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC), district health authorities, local police, block development offices, and multiple airport-linked agencies.