Airport staff seek safe take-off, landing

Visakhapatnam: The Airfield Environment Management Committee meeting was chaired by Joint Collector G Srijana here on Wednesday. During the meeting, officials of the airport informed the issues in operating flights and asked the committee to take immediate steps for safe landing and take-off the flights.

The officials also brought to the notice of the committee that they are facing tough times due to various reasons to ensure safe landing and take-off the flights. Airport, INS Dega, Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam Port, GVMC, Irrigation, Police and Pollution Control Board officials were present at the meeting.

Responding on the issues, the Joint Collector directed the officials to clear all the issues raised by the airport administration. She directed the officials to clear the bushes, debris and garbage close to the airfield. Due to the garbage and other waste material being dumped close to the airport, eagles and birds flying close to the runway and creating troubles to the pilots.

The officials should conduct awareness camps to educate the residents in and around the areas of the airport, Srijana directed. While speaking about the flood waters from the Meghadrigedda reservoir and heavy rains, the waters entering the airport, the Joint Collector directed the irrigation officials that there is a need to construct permanent drainage system in and around airfield to divert the flood waters.

The airport officials also informed that during the recent times, many balloons are being released into the air at the Beach Road and other areas, which also creating tough times to the air traffic.

The Joint Collector also directed the police to impose curbs in releasing massive number of balloons into the air. The Joint Collector also said that usage of drones also increased in the city in the recent times and she directed the police not to allow the drones without permission.