Lahore Airport surroundings declared no-bird zone to ensure passenger aircraft safety

On the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a comprehensive and decisive grand operation has been launched to reduce bird activity around Lahore Airport, aiming to prevent bird strikes during aircraft take-off, landing, and low-altitude flight.

The Chief Minister has directed the Lahore district administration, the Wildlife Department, and the Environmental Protection Authority to mobilize immediately.

Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has also been instructed to activate Punjab’s first Wildlife Force.

According to a government notification, several areas—including Eastern Bypass, Manawan, Hospital Dahoriwala, PKLI, Chungi Amar Sidhu, Ichhra, and Chah Miran—have been declared “No-Bird Zones.”

Aerial safety fencing will be established in these areas. Strict action is being taken against illegal slaughterhouses, poultry farms, and bakeries operating near the airport without environmental clearance.

Read more: Karachi airport issues safety advisory ahead of monsoon rains

Tanneries and leather-processing units will also face strict environmental regulations. Open-air washing of animal hides has been completely banned.

The notification makes it clear that no business or activity attracting birds will be allowed near the airport. Dumping waste in the open is strictly prohibited, and the use of lidded garbage bins is now mandatory.

Additionally, feeding birds on rooftops, keeping or flying large flocks of pigeons, and offering food to birds at shrines or public places have been banned to prevent flocking near the airport.

The Punjab Wildlife Department has immediately directed Wildlife Rangers to begin enforcement. Violations will be prosecuted under the Punjab Wildlife Act.