Punjab enforces bird hazard controls near Lahore airport
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz issued the directive to the city's district administration, Punjab Wildlife Department, and the Environment Protection Agency for coordinated action.
Localities including Eastern Bypass, Manawan, Hospital Dahori Wala, PKLI, Chungi Amar Sidhu, Ichhra, and Chah Miran have been placed under strict monitoring.
Officials said these areas have been ring-fenced aerially to create protective airspace for commercial flights.
Bird strikes, particularly during take-off and landing, pose a persistent safety hazard. The new policy aims to mitigate this by reducing bird presence around low-altitude flight paths.
Read: Police to set up animal rescue sub-centres
Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has been appointed to oversee the mobilisation of Punjab's first dedicated Wildlife Force.
The Wildlife Department has already ordered its field rangers to enforce new restrictions.
Strict regulations are being imposed on nearby slaughterhouses, poultry farms, bakeries, and leather-processing units. These businesses must now comply with environmental controls, including a ban on open disposal of animal waste and hides.
Additionally, feeding birds in public areas, on rooftops, and at shrines has been outlawed. Residents are also restricted from keeping or flying large numbers of pigeons.
Garbage dumping near the airport has been banned, and covered waste bins are now compulsory in specific zones. Officials warned that any activity attracting birds in these areas will be treated as a breach of public safety.
Read more: Pet big cats to be sterilised, sale banned
Legal action will be taken under the Punjab Wildlife Act, with monitoring teams tasked with ensuring full compliance.
Authorities say the move aligns with international aviation safety standards and reflects a long-term commitment to safer skies around the city.
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