New Delhi (NVI): The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) today said that it may consider imposing spot fines for people found violating the COVID-19 protocols at airports like wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing.
This move comes as part of the Center’s efforts to increase surveillance at airports in view of a surge in coronavirus cases in India.
The aviation regulator also said that the compliance of COVID-19 protocols at some airports is not satisfactory.
In a fresh circular issued, DGCA said, “During the surveillance at some airports, it has come to notice that compliance is not satisfactory. All airport operators, therefore, are requested to ensure that the instructions on COVID-19 protocol from the standpoint of wearing face masks properly, covering nose and mouth, as well as maintaining social distance norms within the airport premises are followed scrupulously.
DGCA further asked airports operators to explore the possibility of imposing fines, along with local police authorities.
— DGCA (@DGCAIndia) March 30, 2021
“Accordingly, all airport operators can increase surveillance in this regard,” the circular read.
“The possibility of taking punitive action, such as levy of spot fines in accordance with law, shall also be explored with the local police authorities so as to serve a deterrent for violation of COVID-19 protocol,” it added.
Earlier this month, the DGCA had also issued new rules to be followed by all passengers in view of the rising COVID-19 cases, warning passengers who do not wear masks inside an airline even after repeated warnings would be de-boarded.
-RJV
