An earful of plane truths

Delhi: The lurking danger at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is not restricted to the runways; it has spread to the neighbourhood. And the issue this time is the wanton disregard for noise safety parameters. Not only is it resulting in hearing impairment among locals, it's also giving them sleepless nights.
As per international regulations, the Noise Safety Zone spans to at least 6,000 feet from the runway and just like Airport Safety Zone, it debars any human habitation in the region. But runway 29/11, which was commissioned one and half years ago, is affecting the lives of at least two lakh people living in Vasant Kunj, Bijwasan, Bamnauli, Samalkha and Pushpanjali Enclave. However, as per information provided by Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), no such Noise Safety Zone has been defined for the IGI Airport.
The zone, besides covering residential localities, also includes several hospitals and schools, making it inconvenient for patients as well as students. And authorities seem to have turned a blind eye towards the problem.
"There is a sharp increase in the number of people complaining of hearing problems...", said Major HPS Ahluwalia, Chairman, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, located near the airport. Ahluwalia added that besides hearing impairment, people are suffering from restlessness and anxiety too.
The problems aggravate when a big-bodied aircraft is taking off or landing.
Meanwhile, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has refused to comment on the questions raised by MiD DAY and shared the information that the airport has been properly audited by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which certifies the runways before these are commissioned.
10/06/10 Anshuman G Dutta/MiD DAY

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Categories: Airports Jun 2010, Safety Jun 2010