**Authorities Move to Establish Clear SOPs for Bird Cages Near Lahore Airport to Boost Safety**
Authorities are taking concrete steps to enhance safety around Lahore Airport by addressing concerns related to bird cages within the critical 8-kilometer Bird Hazard Control Zone. In a key meeting, top officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Pigeons Association, wildlife, and food departments discussed collaborative measures to minimize risks to both birds and aviation.
The meeting was led by Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, Director General of the EPA, and Mr. Nayab, President of the Pigeons Association. They were joined by Mr. Adnan Ali Virk, Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger for the Lahore Region, and Mr. Amir Munir Malik, Director (Food) at the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL). Together, they examined issues pertaining to the presence and regulation of pigeon cages within the designated hazard control zone surrounding the airport.
A major outcome of the discussion was the decision to organize a follow-up session with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This meeting will focus on developing clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for managing pigeon cages within the Bird Hazard Control Zone. The collaborative initiative is aimed at reducing the risk of bird strikes, which pose a threat to aircraft safety, while simultaneously ensuring the wellbeing of avian populations in the region.
Officials emphasized that coordinated action and standardized regulations are essential to foster a safe coexistence between aviation operations and local bird-keeping practices. The upcoming session with the CAA is expected to solidify these protocols, reinforcing both flight safety and wildlife protection in the vicinity of Lahore Airport.
