Waste dumping around Jammu airport
Bivek Mathur
JAMMU, June 14: In the wake of the recent tragic crash of Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad, which claimed 274 lives and where bird-hit is suspected as one of the possible causes, Defence authorities in Jammu have once again raised concern over unchecked waste dumping near Jammu Airport.
“We’ve projected this matter with the district administration during various meetings and in the wake of the recent Ahmedabad incident, it is being projected again for their necessary action,” said a Defence spokesperson.
According to Rule 91 of the Aircraft Rules 1934, waste dumping, open-air meat shops, and garbage littering are strictly prohibited within a 10-kilometre radius of the airport as they attract birds. Long grass, which harbours insects that birds feed on, is also not allowed around the airfield.
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Despite the ban and repeated appeals from the Defence authorities, waste dumping continues unabated between Satwari Chowk and the airport as garbage can be seen scattered along the roadside and even directly opposite the terminal near the Petrol Pump.
“Between Satwari Chowk and Jammu Airport, you will find garbage and other wastes littered around the road at many places. Not just this, waste can also be seen just opposite the Jammu Airport. This poses a serious risk to the lives of flyers since birds feed on the littered waste,” said a regular two-wheeler commuter, requesting anonymity.
“This is the job of the district administration to enforce the ban but that’s not happening,” he added.
Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Jammu, Ansuya Jamwal, however, said the matter was recently discussed in a meeting with SDMs and other stakeholders.
She said the SDMs were asked to strictly enforce the ban, and support from all stakeholders was also sought to stop littering around the airport.
“However, if the dumping activity is still going on, the matter will be taken up afresh with the SDM concerned to ensure the stoppage,” she assured.
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