A comprehensive meeting of the Aerospace Safety Section was held today under the chairmanship of Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Leh, Sonam Nurboo (JKAS) at the Mini Conference Hall of the DC Office, Leh.
The meeting commenced with a detailed presentation by Wing Commander S. Gokula Krishnan, Flight Safety Officer, Air Officer Commanding (AOC) 21 Wing, Air Force Station Leh. His presentation highlighted key safety concerns, including garbage accumulation near the airport, runway incursions caused by stray dogs, and an action plan to reduce bird strikes. He also outlined pending issues such as waste management, updating the Disabled Aircraft Recovery Plan (DARP), identification of obstructions, and new agenda points such as unauthorised parking of vehicles and photography in the funnel approach area, and construction of high-rise buildings in the vicinity of the airfield.
Wg Cdr Krishnan stressed that bird strike has become one of the most serious threats to safe aircraft operations. He noted that the rise in bird activity near the airfield is closely linked to the presence of open garbage dumps and improper waste disposal practices around airport premises. He urged strict and immediate action to eliminate open dumping sites to minimise bird movement in the aerospace zone. He also express Another concern discussed was the increasing population of stray dogs inside airport premises, which has led to repeated runway incursions.
Wing Commander Krishnan requested the district administration to take necessary measures to resolve garbage-related issues, runway safety concerns, and other critical matters. He also urged representatives of SpiceJet and Air India to update their respective safety and operational plans.
Addressing the meeting, ADDC Leh, Shri Sonam Nurboo (JKAS) instructed departmental officers to thoroughly note down the issues faced by the airfield due to their respective sectors and ensure timely resolution. He emphasized the need for regular Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) meetings and close coordination among all stakeholders.
Following this, the meeting continued under the supervision of Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Leh, Ghulam Mohammad (JKAS), who assured that all concerns would be addressed, and a separate follow-up meeting would be convened soon to review progress.
During the discussion, officials underscored the importance of installing bird spikes on airport buildings, conducting regular cleanliness drives under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and ensuring coordinated inter-departmental action to maintain a clean and hazard-free environment.