The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency has fast-tracked its aerial surveillance and digital mapping operations in and around Lahore to address increasing bird-related risks to aviation safety. Focused efforts are underway in proximity to sensitive flight paths, particularly near Lahore Airport, as authorities intensify reconnaissance to locate and remove bird nests that could pose hazards to aircraft.
Officials from EPA shared that the agency’s Aerial Surveillance Force is currently conducting observation flights across several high-risk zones. The force is using advanced digital tools to geo-tag bird nests and cages, creating real-time maps that enable prompt cleanup and denesting. The digital mapping process is scheduled to be completed within the next two days, covering key areas where bird activity has previously disrupted air operations.
In recent operations, EPA teams targeted a location near Mehfooz Shaheed Garrison, close to Harbanspura Ring Road, where they removed 20 kite nests and 30 crow nests. At the same time, pigeon cages were dismantled at five points across the city, including Baden Road and Gulshan Park. These operations are based on findings from EPA’s latest Dening Report, which helps identify hotspots through digital monitoring and field inspections.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb addressed the public, highlighting that bird nests and open feeding practices create serious threats to aircraft safety. She appealed to citizens to avoid leaving food on rooftops or in open areas, stressing that such behavior attracts large flocks that could interfere with aviation routes.
District authorities have also stepped in to carry out enforcement actions at commercial establishments. Inspections at wedding venues, food outlets, and meat shops have been launched, and in areas like Nishat Colony and Arbab Market, four shopkeepers faced fines and sealing of premises for maintaining open-air poultry and meat stalls, which are known to attract birds.
Municipal departments have initiated simultaneous cleanup efforts by removing garbage piles and trimming branches on routes such as Khurshid Alam Road, Javed Cheema Chowk, and Zarar Shaheed Road. These preventive measures aim to eliminate potential nesting locations near urban flight corridors.
In collaboration with EPA, the Punjab Wildlife Department removed 15 kite nests and 20 crow nests from the PAF Golf Club premises. This task force is now expanding operations beyond Mehfooz Garrison towards additional locations on the Harbanspura Ring Road.
Public awareness remains a key component of this effort, with EPA calling on residents to dispose of leftover food, especially sacrificial meat, in a responsible manner. Officials warn that failure to comply will result in strict penalties, as preventing bird attraction near air routes is vital for aviation safety. The agency is integrating surveillance, mapping, and law enforcement to deliver a coordinated response that reflects the growing role of digital tools in environmental management.
