Noida Airport: Unregulated constructions, birds, pose risk to flight ops in Jewar

With concerns mounting over unregulated construction, stray animals, and bird activity posing risks to flight operations, the Gautam Buddh Nagar administration has ordered immediate measures to mitigate hazards around the upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar.

The matter was taken up during a recent meeting of the Airport Environment Management Committee (AEMC), chaired by District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the district administration and representatives of the Noida International Airport project.

An official statement issued after the meeting stated that the DM had highlighted the importance of maintaining cleanliness and controlling waste disposal in a 10-kilometre radius surrounding the airport. “He ordered the strengthening of all drainage systems… to prevent waterlogging and approved the formation of a survey team to identify illegal constructions for legal action and demolition,” the statement read.

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Verma stressed the need for a coordinated approach among departments to ensure the safety of upcoming airport operations. He instructed that dumping of carcasses and garbage be strictly avoided, and monthly inspections be conducted in collaboration with the AEMC, with timely reports submitted to the chairperson.

During the meeting, Noida International Airport Chief Operating Officer Kiran Jain presented findings on environmental challenges and potential operational hazards near the site. The data highlighted issues that could interfere with aircraft safety, such as illegal buildings, open garbage dumping, and the presence of birds and animals.

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In response, the district administration announced the formation of a joint survey team to monitor and regulate unauthorised construction, along with an Obstacle Clearance Committee to oversee any encroachments in the designated air safety zones.

The Noida International Airport is a greenfield public-private partnership project located in the Jewar, approximately 70 km from central Delhi. Construction work is progressing, with the first phase of operations now expected to commence later this year.