Section 144 imposed near airports and airbases in Punjab

In a bid to ensure flight safety during Eidul Adha, the Punjab government has imposed Section 144 within a 15-kilometer radius of airports and airbases from June 5 to 20.

In the aftermath of Eidul Adha, the improper disposal of sacrificial meat near airports has repeatedly attracted birds, creating a significant hazard to flight safety, endangering passengers, and threatening nearby areas. To mitigate these risks, awareness campaigns have been initiated in recent years, urging the public to follow proper waste management practices.

In a recent directive, Punjab’s Home Department imposed restrictions under Section 144, prohibiting specific activities within a 15-kilometer radius of all airports and airbases.

The banned activities include pigeon flying, fireworks, the use of drones and laser lights, as well as the dumping of sacrificial waste and Sadqa meat. These restrictions will remain in effect until June 20.

The notification classified these activities as posing a “serious threat to flight operations” and emphasized that the measures are necessary to safeguard human lives and property.

Moreover, all deputy commissioners have been instructed to implement enhanced cleanliness protocols in and around airport premises to further reduce the risk of bird strikes.