No Obstruction Will Be Tolerated in Airport Expansion: DM Savin Bansal
Immediate Compensation Directed for Affected People;
Negligence in Acquisition Process Unacceptable
Dehradun: District Magistrate (DM) Savin Bansal chaired a high-level meeting of the Airfield Environment Management Committee of Jollygrant Airport on Friday at the Rishiparna Auditorium. The meeting focused on controlling bird and wildlife activities within the 10-km operational radius of the airport, strengthening environmental management, and ensuring strict safety protocols.
Airport Expansion is a Top Priority of the Chief Minister: DM
DM Bansal stated that the airport expansion project is among the top priorities of the Chief Minister and no obstruction or delay will be tolerated. He instructed officials to ensure immediate disbursement of compensation to all affected landowners.
He added that the expansion will not only enhance the state’s revenue but also create significant employment opportunities for local residents. Further, the upgraded airport facilities will help showcase the culture and heritage of Uttarakhand on the world map.
Strict Instructions to Doiwala Municipality on Waste Disposal
The DM issued strong directions to the Executive Officer of Doiwala Municipality regarding the waste dumping yard located near Keshavpuri, close to the airport.
Key instructions included:
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Speed up waste disposal at the existing dumping yard.
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Complete the tender process without delay.
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Immediately purchase Trommel and Pokland machines for waste processing.
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Until these machines are procured, no proposal from the Municipality will be approved.
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Cover the dumping yard with a tin shed and increase manpower and machinery to fast-track waste disposal.
He emphasized that improper waste disposal, meat shops, and overgrown trees or constructions around the airport significantly increase the risk of bird-hit incidents, thereby endangering aircraft and passenger safety.
Dumping Yard to Be Shifted Within Seven Days
Highlighting the need to relocate the Keshavpuri dumping site outside the airport’s 10-km radius, the DM instructed the SDM of Doiwala to:
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Identify suitable government land for the new dumping yard within seven days,
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And submit details of the current land category where the existing dumping yard is situated.
Drainage Issues to Be Resolved Immediately
The DM directed the Irrigation Department to begin work immediately to fix inconsistencies in the drainage capacity inside and outside the airport premises. Improper drainage was found to be contributing to sanitation issues and wildlife attraction.
Concerns Raised by Airport Authorities
Airport officials informed that:
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Dumping of waste around the airport,
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Presence of meat shops,
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Trees or buildings exceeding the permissible height
increase the possibility of bird strikes.
They also reiterated the urgent need to relocate the dumping yard and to strengthen the drainage system inside and around the airport.
Officials Present at the Meeting
The meeting was attended by Additional District Magistrate K.K. Mishra, SDM Aparna Dhaundiyal, Airport Director B.C.H. Negi, Deputy General Managers Amit Jindal and Anil Kumar Mastana, Manager Shubham Vats, Executive Officer of Doiwala Municipality L.L. Shah, inspectors Sachin Singh Rawat and Kuldeep Khatri, along with other officials.
