Srinagar, Jul 4 (NVI): Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Saturday reviewed aviation safety and environmental management issues around the Air Force Station (AFS) Srinagar and directed authorities to expedite measures to improve emergency access and address hazards affecting flight operations.
Chairing a meeting of the Airfield Environment Management Committee, Garg reviewed issues including construction of an emergency access road, regulation of brick kilns near the airfield, scientific solid waste management, removal of unlit obstructions and measures to tackle the stray dog menace around the airport, an official spokesperson said.
The meeting was attended by the deputy commissioners of Srinagar, Budgam, Pulwama and Anantnag, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Director Airports Authority, senior Indian Air Force officers and representatives of urban local bodies.
Officials informed the meeting that one of the three designated emergency exit gates at the Air Force Station does not meet operational requirements for the movement of crash fire tenders.
Garg directed the Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, to convene a meeting with the concerned departments to expedite connectivity between the Ring Road and the airport and prioritise the feasibility and construction of an emergency access road to strengthen emergency response.
The committee also reviewed the functioning of brick kilns within an eight-kilometre radius of the airfield. Officials said a standard operating procedure was already in place under which brick kilns remain closed from November to March to ensure visibility and safe aircraft operations during winter.
Reviewing progress on the solid waste management project at the Achan-Soura dumping site, officials said the work was progressing steadily and was expected to be completed by June 2028.
The divisional commissioner directed the Budgam district administration to strengthen waste collection and disposal in villages surrounding the airfield, saying indiscriminate dumping attracts birds and poses a risk to aviation safety.
The meeting also decided to direct telecom service providers to ensure proper illumination of communication towers, while a detailed survey would identify and rectify other unlit structures in the aircraft operational area.
Describing stray dogs around the airport as a serious threat to air operations and public safety, Garg directed the Srinagar Municipal Corporation to address the issue at the earliest, the spokesperson said.(NVI)
