Hans News Service Kurnool

TheAirfield Environment Management Committee on Thursday convened a high-level review meeting at the District Collectorate to comprehensively evaluate environmental compliance, operational aviation safety standards, and critical infrastructure requirements at Orvakal Airport.

The strategic session was chaired by District Revenue Officer (DRO) Venkatanarayanamma.

During the meeting, airport authorities urged the district administration to fast-track pending land acquisitions.

They requested the immediate clearing of three acres to facilitate the unhindered movement of Crash Fire Tenders (CFT) through emergency gates, alongside completing the acquisition of an additional 38.5 acres earmarked for the airport’s future expansion.

Furthermore, officials reported that while land for a dedicated waste disposal yard matching Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) norms has been identified, the formal transfer process remains pending.

Aviation hazards were heavily flagged by the technical team, who pointed out that open blasting activities in nearby areas generate excessive dust, severely affecting aircraft visibility and movements.

They called for immediate pollution control measures, jungle clearance around the runway premises, and strict enforcement of Civil Aviation Ministry regulations that prohibit high-rise buildings and tall trees within the notified airport zone.

To bolster emergency medical response and disaster readiness, the panel requested a dedicated round-the-clock ambulance and a domestic fire tender from the district department.

Responding positively, DRO Venkatanarayanamma assured that all expansion and safety issues would be addressed swiftly through inter-departmental coordination. Kurnool Airport Director Vidyasagar and other senior officials attended the session.