Karachi authorities have decided to strengthen waste-management measures around the city’s airports in an effort to reduce the risk of bird strikes involving aircraft, ARY News reported.
The measures were reviewed at a meeting chaired by Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi, with officials focusing on locations within a four-kilometre funnel zone where waste and other factors could attract birds.
Authorities reviewed a list of around 25 to 30 hotels, restaurants and marriage halls operating within the identified zone.
Under the decisions taken at the meeting, hotels and marriage halls will be required to improve their waste-management arrangements and prevent food scraps and other garbage from being dumped openly at night.
Hotel owners will also be required to appoint sanitary staff to ensure proper handling and disposal of waste.
Officials discussed measures to discourage kites and other birds from gathering in the area, particularly during the night and morning when they could pose a threat to aircraft.
Garbage will have to be completely sealed in polythene bags before being transported to designated collection points.
The relevant deputy commissioners have been directed to submit reports within three weeks detailing measures taken to minimise bird strike risks.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Pakistan Airports Authority, the deputy commissioners of Malir and Korangi, the managing director of the Solid Waste Management Board and officials from Faisal Cantonment Board.f