Ahmedabad: Following directives issued by the Airport Environment Committee to curb the risk of bird strikes near Ahmedabad airport, the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has prohibited the sale of non-vegetarian food at the Chamanpura fish market and in the Holi Chakla area of Asarwa ward. On Thursday, AMC installed boards at both locations announcing the ban. Officials said enforcement action will begin shortly, and complaints will be registered against violators.

According to officials, the temporary fish market in Asarwa was attracting a large number of birds, thereby increasing the risk of bird hits involving aircraft operating at Ahmedabad airport. Following the Air India AI 171 crash on June 12, 2025, authorities intensified measures aimed at minimising such aviation hazards.

As per aviation safety regulations, activities that attract birds — including open garbage, unhygienic conditions and meat sales — are prohibited within a 10-km radius of an airport. AMC and the police will jointly carry out enforcement drives to ensure compliance with these rules.

Under Section 25(2) of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, and Rule 91 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, authorities are empowered to restrict activities that attract birds within a 10-km radius of an aerodrome centre. Traders or vendors found violating the regulations may face imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to Rs 10,000.

An AMC official said that, in accordance with the Airport Environment Committee’s instructions, the sale of non-vegetarian food has been banned in the Chamanpura fish market and the Holi Chakla stretch in Asarwa ward, covering the area from Civil Hospital to the old MLA quarters. The civic body has already installed warning boards in the area, and strict enforcement action will soon follow. DeshGujarat