Patna: Bird-hit incidents at Jayprakash Narayan International Airport have more than doubled this year, raising fresh concerns over aviation safety and the growing number of bird-attracting hazards around the airport.Airport data show that 21 bird-hit cases were reported between Jan and Aug 2026, against nine during the corresponding period last year, marking a 133.3% increase. The problem was particularly acute during the monsoon, with six incidents recorded in July and five in Aug. Together, the two months accounted for more than half of the year’s bird-hit cases.The airport recorded one bird-hit incident in Jan, two in Feb, one in March, two in April, four in May and none in June.Airport director Chandra Pratap Dwivedi said the airport has adequate bird-control systems within its premises, but the bigger challenge lies outside its boundary. He attributed the rise in bird activity during the monsoon to factors such as open meat and fish shops, animal waste, garbage, waterlogging, overgrown grass and insect proliferation in surrounding areas.“During the monsoon season, there is considerable bird activity in the surrounding areas because of open shops and other sources. The state govt needs to take the necessary action. If these issues are addressed, bird-hit incidents can come down,” Dwivedi said.A waste transfer station at Gardanibagh, located around 800 metres from the airport, has emerged as a major concern. Dwivedi said the proposed relocation of the facility to Yarpur has been pending for nearly a year.He said the Airport Environment Management Committee (AEMC) regularly reviews issues such as tree pruning and removal of bird-attracting hazards, but effective implementation requires sustained action by multiple agencies.Monsoon conditions further aggravate the problem. Water accumulation, rapid grass growth and increased insect activity create favourable feeding grounds for birds. Waterlogging and overflowing drains near the Phulwarisharif railway line add to the challenge.The issue came under focus during the AEMC meeting chaired by Patna divisional commissioner and committee chairperson Rajesh Kumar on Sept 8. The committee stressed that safe air traffic remains the administration’s top priority and directed the airport officials, district administration, forest department, municipal bodies, Railways and Buidco to take coordinated action within fixed timelines.Kumar ordered intensified surveillance and cleanliness drives within a 10-km radius of the airport. “Officials have been directed to ensure proper garbage disposal and remove accumulated waste, particularly around railway tracks. Railway authorities have also been asked to remove encroachments and maintain regular cleanliness in their areas,” he said.To reduce food sources for birds, the AEMC directed Phulwarisharif Nagar Parishad, Gardanibagh authorities and Patna Municipal Corporation to curb unauthorised open sale of meat and fish around the airport and identify permanent vending zones with proper waste-disposal mechanisms.The committee also asked Buidco to inspect and strengthen drainage systems around the airport to prevent waterlogging. A joint inspection by airport and Buidco officials has been planned.Another aviation hazard flagged at the meeting was the use of laser lights during weddings and other events. The airport director has been asked to identify areas around the airport where laser lights could interfere with aircraft operations, following which restrictions will be imposed.
