24 guards to keep Kolkata airport runway free of birds and animals – Times of India

KOLKATA: The city airport is in the process of deploying a team of 24 guards and three supervisors to keep away birds and animals like jackals, snakes, dogs and cats from the runway, taxiway and apron area of the airport and is setting a strict stipulation on the agency to penalise them in case any wildlife/bird activity hampers aircraft movement.

The guards will be armed with bird repellent new-age zon guns instead of traditional slingshots and officials said the shift timings of guards are being tweaked keeping in mind an increase in bird and animal sightings in the airside area off late.
A senior official of Kolkata airport said contract for the old agency was over and hence a new tender has been opened calling a fresh agency for deployment of new guards – all ex-servicemen – who will take up the task of keeping the airport runway free of animal interference from next month.
Incidentally, a Kolkata-bound AIX Connect – earlier known as AirAsia India – flight from Lucknow had to abort take-off and return to the bay following a bird hit. The aircraft with 147 passengers on board was grounded for a detailed inspection.
“The issue regarding an increase in animal and bird sighting in the airside area was discussed in the recent airport advisory committee meeting as well. It is primarily because of several open garbage disposal areas surrounding the airport from where birds and some animals collect food. We have asked the civic authorities to clear it with immediate effect and have also equipped ourselves with bird and animal chasers to protect/prevent runway, taxiway and apron (operational area) from birds and stray/wild animals for the safety of the aircraft movements,” said a senior airport official.
Officials said the job of wildlife hazard control requires familiarization of the area of work including sensitive/critical area, observance of safety precaution, and high motivation to remain alert in all weather conditions.
“The contractor will ensure that wildlife hazard control personnel use the crackers and ensure that zon guns and other devices if any, are operational to scare away wildlife. However, the usage is to be restricted at identified areas only and are never to be aimed at an aircraft or a human being,” said the official.
Another official said the agency will also be held responsible and will be penalised if any bird hit or animal hit incident happens during their tenure.
“During the period of contract, happening of any wildlife hit or animal hit incident to aircraft within the operational boundary of airport will be treated as contractor’s failure and penalty will be imposed,” the official stressed.