NEPALGUNJ: It has been around five years since the government came up with a master plan to upgrade the Nepalgunj Airport.
However, the implementation of the plan is still a far cry. The airport’s runway has seen problems for lack of minor renovation works.
The runway is covered with grass due to which there have been security challenges during the take-off and landing of flights. Moreover, the airport is close to the forest.
Likewise, the movement of wild animals to and from invasive bush has also posed a challenge to the airport security.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) said that challenges have occurred due to the delay on the part of Pappu Construction, awarded the contract for the works, in completing the grading works in the airport.
CAAN Chief Premnath Thakur said that the increasing boar rampage has increased the risks of accidents in the airport.
Last Tuesday, an aircraft of Buddha Airlines had hit a boar while landing at the airport. The boar was killed in the accident.
Security challenges have become more pressing as the wild animals easily enter the runway, according to Binit Shah, station manager at the Buddha Airlines.
The Pappu Construction was awarded the contract amounting to Rs 130 million for cementing the runway, as well as marking and cleaning up bushes and grading.
Comment