Despite the assurances given by the Navy and the Airport authorities to keep the vicinity free from stray dogs and birds, numerous dogs can still be seen roaming around the airport premises and runway area.
This assumes significance in view of the recent events and subsequent outrage where a flight had to abort landing at Dabolim airport at the last minute, much to the dismay of the flight passengers, as there were stray dogs spotted on the runway area.
On one hand, a Naval officer stated that they had taken the measures they could from their side but blamed the local governing body for failing to the garbage issue, which they believe has resulted in the multiplication of stray dogs near the airport.
Further, if sources are to be believed, there has been a major lapse on the part of the government, given that it had formed a committee to look into the issue, but the same committee has not held a meeting for more than a year’s time, prior to this incident.
The committee is headed by the South District collector and is known as the environmental management committee. Sources highlighted the importance of these ‘monthly’ meetings as they were supposed to address the various issues regarding the airport including the presence of stray dogs. Despite repeated attempts, the collector was not available for comment.
If one takes a round at the Dabolim airport area and at the entrance of the terminal building, one can see how these stray dogs have made the airport vicinity their home.
Some of the passengers have even commented about the same and have wondered why the authorities concerned are not taking cognisance of the issue and compared to the conditions outside other international airports.
Speaking about the safety and security at the airport in view of the threat presented by stray dogs and stray birds to incoming and outgoing flights, a naval officer opined that there are many stray dogs and birds seen nearby due to the huge garbage dump located outside the airport, just after the cargo complex, which is on the way to towards the Verna road.
“Secondly, because of the highway coming up nearby the height of the compound wall went down, which was supposed to be built by Airport Authority of India. While they have said they will do it but in reality it has not been done until now. I was told that the efforts were made by AAI to build a high compound wall but it collapsed due to heavy rains. It is easier for dogs to jump over the low compound wall, the officer added on the condition of anonymity.
Speaking about the precautionary measures taken by the Navy to avoid incidence of stray dogs and birds moving onto the runway, he said that around 12 people have been kept at the runway region to chase away the stray dogs and birds.
“We also have devices to keep the dogs at bay. These people look all along the runway from morning till it gets dark. Further the runway lights also have to be maintained by them so that it doesn’t reflect on the pilot’s vision. Withstanding that, naval personnel move around the runaway regularly with their gypsy car to that there are no animals are on runway” the officer informed.
To this, the navy officer was asked how then did the incident occur on Tuesday, wherein the Air India flight had to abort its landing at the last moment citing the presence of five to six dogs on the runway.
“We have several storm drains which have got gaps in the walls to allow heavy water flow to pass across the compound wall. All these storm drains have been repaired, even the wire mash has been installed over these storm drains to bar stray dogs from entering into the runway area and sheets have been put at the lower part of the gates so that dogs do not sneak through the gates. So we are unaware that from where do these dogs enters into the runway area,” the officer replied.
When asked what efforts have been taken to curb the increasing number of stray dogs, the officer revealed that whenever they find stray dogs, they catch and sterilise them. He added that they are not allowed to relocate or throw them out but only thing that they can do is to sterlise them and then put them back.
“Now we have tied up with the State government by signing a tri-party Memorandum of Understanding, between the Indian Navy, Airport Authority of India and the Department of Animal Husbandry for sterilisation and relocation of 200 stray dogs, which is funded by the State government” he mentioned.
The official however felt that it was very important that the matter is taken very seriously as there is only so much they do when it comes to dealing with stray dogs and yet the threat to flights and the passengers on-board is dangerous. He added that they hold internal meetings every month regarding the environment within Hansa.
“Our officers and sailors also go around Hansa to check where the garbage dumps are seen and then the civil authorities and AAI are informed. I see that despite of the orders from the higher civilian authorities to keep the nearby areas from airport clean, the local bodies are not taking the garbage issue seriously” Naval officer opined.
