The growing menace of stray dogs and poor solid waste management around Air Force Station Srinagar came under sharp focus on Saturday, with officials ordering urgent measures to prevent risks to aircraft operations and public safety.
Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, Anshul Garg, chaired a meeting of the Airfield Environment Management Committee to review critical issues concerning aviation safety and environmental management around Air Force Station (AFS) Srinagar.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar, Budgam, Pulwama and Anantnag, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Director Airport Authority, senior officers of the Indian Air Force, and representatives of the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
A comprehensive review was conducted on a range of issues impacting airfield safety and operational preparedness, including the construction of an emergency access road, regulation of brick kilns in the vicinity of the airfield, scientific management of solid waste, removal of unlit obstructions affecting flight operations, and measures to curb the menace of stray dogs in and around the airport.
Addressing the growing menace of stray dogs within and around the airport, the Divisional Commissioner described the issue as a serious threat to both air operations and public safety. He instructed the Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, to get the issue addressed at the earliest.
During the meeting, officials informed that Air Force Station Srinagar has three designated emergency exit gates for launching search and rescue operations in the event of an aviation emergency. However, one of the emergency gates on the north-western side does not meet the operational requirements for the movement of Crash Fire Tenders.
Taking note of the issue, the Divisional Commissioner directed the Deputy Commissioner of Budgam to convene a coordination meeting with all concerned departments to expedite the development of connectivity between the Ring Road and the airport. He also instructed that the feasibility and construction of an emergency access road be taken up on a priority basis to strengthen emergency response capabilities.
Reviewing the issue of brick kilns operating within an eight-kilometre radius of Air Force Station Srinagar, the Divisional Commissioner observed that a standard operating procedure is already in place under which brick kilns remain closed from November to March to maintain visibility and ensure safe aircraft operations during the winter season.
The meeting also assessed the progress of the solid waste management project at the Achan-Soura dumping site, a key initiative aimed at reducing bird activity that poses a significant hazard to aircraft.
The Commissioner, SMC, informed the meeting that work on the project is progressing steadily and is expected to be completed by June 2028.
Emphasising the need for a coordinated approach to waste management, the Divisional Commissioner directed the Deputy Commissioner of Budgam to strengthen solid waste collection and disposal mechanisms in villages surrounding the airfield, noting that indiscriminate garbage dumping attracts birds and adversely impacts aviation safety.
The committee further reviewed the issue of unlit obstructions that pose risks to safe flying operations. It was decided that telecom service providers would be directed to ensure proper illumination of communication towers, while a detailed survey would be undertaken to identify and rectify other unlit structures in the aircraft operational area.