Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has launched a comprehensive initiative to improve aviation safety by establishing a “No Bird Zone” around Lahore’s airports, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel.
The plan, aimed at preventing bird strikes, involves the collaboration of the district administration, Wildlife Department, and Environment Protection Authority (EPA). The government will create “ring fencing”—aerial safety perimeters—at various locations to keep bird activity away from flight paths.
To support the effort, Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has been tasked with activating Punjab’s first Wildlife Force, which will work with Wildlife Rangers to patrol sensitive zones.
Key actions include the shutdown of illegal slaughterhouses and poultry farms near airports, a ban on open waste disposal and enforcement of sealed garbage bins, strict regulation of bakeries, leather tanneries, and manufacturing units lacking environmental controls, immediate action against bird-attracting sites under the Punjab Wildlife Act, and the Wildlife Headquarters has issued formal directives to begin field operations. Violators face arrest, penalties, and fines.
Minister Maryam Aurangzeb emphasised that these safety protocols align with global best practices, stating, “No Bird Zones near airports are a global norm. We are implementing these to secure air travel and reduce aircraft-bird collisions in Punjab.”
Reporter: Rao Dilshad Hussain