Patna Divisional Commissioner Rajesh Kumar chairs a meeting of Airport Environment Management Committee (AEMC) in Patna on September 8, 2026.
Patna: Patna Divisional Commissioner and Chairman of the Airport Environment Management Committee (AEMC), Rajesh Kumar, has stressed the need for better coordination among all departments and stakeholders to ensure passenger facilities, the highest safety standards and smooth, environmentally responsible operations at Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport a.k.a Patna airport.
Addressing an AEMC meeting held at the Patna airport conference hall, Kumar said safe air traffic must remain the administration’s top priority. He directed the Airports Authority of India (AAI), district administration, Forest Department, urban local bodies, Railways, BUIDCO and other agencies to work together and complete their responsibilities within the prescribed deadlines.
He also made it clear that departments should not wait for the next meeting to act. They must take timely action at their own level and ensure that their responsibilities are completed without delay.
Tree pruning near airport to be expedited
The Director of AAI, Patna, informed the meeting that some trees near the airport need to be pruned as required.
The Divisional Commissioner directed the District Forest Officer (DFO), Patna, to coordinate with airport authorities and arrange for the necessary pruning at the earliest. He also asked officials to carry out a joint inspection and submit a report.
Executive officers of the concerned municipal bodies were instructed to identify and remove dry palm trees that could pose a safety risk.
Ban on open sale of meat and fish near airport
The meeting also discussed the sale of meat and fish in the open around the airport. Officials said improper disposal of meat and fish waste attracts birds and other animals, which could create a safety risk for aircraft operations.
Kumar directed the executive officers of Phulwari Sharif Nagar Parishad and Gardanibagh, as well as the Patna Municipal Corporation Commissioner, to ensure that unauthorised meat and fish shops do not operate around the airport.
He also ordered that meat and fish must not be sold in the open and directed officials to identify permanent vending zones where such businesses can operate in an organised manner.
Airport representatives and officials of the concerned urban local bodies were asked to conduct a joint inspection and submit a compliance report.
Special focus on cleanliness and encroachments within 10-km radius
The meeting placed special emphasis on maintaining cleanliness within an approximately 10-km radius of the airport.
The Divisional Commissioner directed circle officers and executive officers of urban local bodies to ensure proper disposal of waste in the area. Particular attention was also ordered to be given to removing garbage around railway tracks.
Railway officials were instructed to remove encroachments from their areas and maintain regular cleanliness. Officials were also asked to keep a close watch on areas that are particularly sensitive from the airport’s safety and environmental perspectives.
Drainage system to be improved to prevent waterlogging
BUIDCO was directed to keep the drainage system around the airport in proper working condition to prevent waterlogging.
Patna Commissioner Rajesh Kumar asked airport representatives and BUIDCO officials to conduct a joint inspection of the drainage network and identify any points where waterlogging or blockages in drainage could occur.
The Patna Municipal Corporation was also directed to make effective arrangements for safely relocating stray dogs found around the airport, wherever necessary.
Steps planned to control laser light use
The meeting also discussed the risks posed by laser lights used during weddings and other events near the airport.
Officials said laser beams can interfere with aircraft operations and potentially create safety risks for flights.
The Divisional Commissioner directed the airport director to clearly identify the areas around the airport where the use of laser lights could pose a risk to aircraft operations. Action will then be taken to ensure an effective ban on the use of laser lights in these identified areas.
Departments told to act without waiting for next meeting
Kumar directed all departments and stakeholders to show no laxity in matters related to airport safety, cleanliness, environmental protection and passenger facilities.
He stressed that every department must fulfil its responsibilities on time and should not wait for the next AEMC meeting to take action.
Regular joint inspections and effective monitoring of compliance were also ordered to ensure that corrective measures are implemented properly.
Patna Municipal Commissioner Yashpal Meena, Patna Airport Director, Commissioner’s Secretary Vinay Kumar Thakur, executive officers of the concerned municipal bodies, and officials from the Forest Department, BUIDCO, Railways and other departments attended the meeting.
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