Delay in Installing CAT-I Lights at Patna Zoo Poses Threat to Flight Operations | Patna News
Ben Madilynn
Patna: Senior officials of the Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport at a meeting of the Airport Environment Management Committee (AEMC) organised here on Monday, raised concern over the delay in approval of AAI proposal for installation of Category-I (CAT-I) lights on the Patna zoo premises.
The officiating director of Patna airport, Uma Shanker, highlighted the significance of the CAT-I lighting system, stating that it enables aircraft to land at Patna airport even in winter conditions with visibility as low as 700 meters.
“Delay in approval of AAl proposal on removal of obstacles from the Patna zoo will adversely affect aircraft operation, especially, in winter season due to non-installation of CAT-I lights. At present, aircraft require minimum 1,000m visibility for the landing,” he said.
The divisional commissioner of Patna and chairman of the AEMC, Mayank Warwade, directed the officials concerned to obtain formal approval from the competent authority for the installation of CAT I lights, and to initiate steps for tree pruning as per the Optical Landing System (OLS) survey.
The meeting also addressed various concerns regarding traffic flow management and safety, particularly in the context of the ongoing expansion and development works at Patna airport.
The issues included removal of fish and meat shops, stray dogs as well as maintaining sanitation, cleanliness, and waste disposal in the airport’s vicinity.
Mayank stated that open meat and fish shops pose a threat to aircraft operations and can cause bird-hit incidents. He emphasised on reducing bird attraction sources around Patna Airport for the safety of aircraft and passengers.
Patna DM Chandrashekhar Singh, SSP Rajiv Mishra, PMC commissioner, Animesh Kumar Parashar, and other officers were present.
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