LAHORE:
The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has accelerated its air surveillance and digital maps operations in Lahore and its surroundings, and other sensitive areas, to prevent aviation risks related to birds.
EPA officials say that the agency’s air surveillance force is carrying out recognition flights on key locations, including Lahore airport, to identify the activity of birds and nesting sites. They are using advanced technology for geographical nests and bird cages on digital maps, allowing rapid elimination. The electronic maps process is expected to end within two days.
According to the latest “Dening Report” of the EPA, an operation directed near Mehfooz Shaheed Garrison, near Harbanspura Ring Road, eliminated 20 nests of comets and 30 crow’s nests. Palomas cages were also dismantled in five different places, including Baden Road and Gulshan Park.
The main minister, Marriyum Aurengzeb, warned that bird nests represent a serious threat to airplanes and urged the public to refrain from feeding birds in open spaces or in the roofs.
The district administration has launched inspections of marriage halls, restaurants and meat stores. In Nishat Colony and Arbab Market, four merchants were fined and their facilities sealed to keep stalls outdoors and meat.
The municipal teams have cleaned unnecessary branches and garbage of Khurshid Alam Road, Javed Cheema Chowk and Zarar Shaheed Road, eliminating potential nesting land.
In a separate action, the Provincial Wildlife Department eliminated 15 nests of comets and 20 Cuervo nests of the PAF Golf Club. The next phase of the operation now moves from Mehphooz’s garrison to Harbanspura Ring Road.
The EPA has appealed to the public to avoid throwing the leftover meat or sacrifice offers in open areas, warning that such practices attract birds and increase the risk of plane crash. Strict measures against offenders will be taken.
