Dhaka skies grave risk to flying

For one thing, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has been put on notice for the hazard that is posed by the high-rise buildings that come on the glide path of the aircraft using Zia International Airport (ZIA) by the International Civil Aviation Authority. One hundred eleven such buildings have been identified by RAJUK, and, apparently, actions are underway to reduce those to permissible limits.

For another, inability of the air traffic controllers, both technically and humanly, to keep up with the growing volume of air traffic has rendered using our skies a somewhat risky proposition.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

The tale of multistoried buildings is not new. One of the reasons for shifting the international airport from Tejgaon to its present location was to avoid the problem that the fast growing Dhaka city was posing to aviation. Regrettably, the growth of high-rise buildings in and around ZIA has defeated that logic entirely.

All those buildings that have been cited as posing risks were constructed after ZIA was commissioned. This merely demonstrates a very good example of extremely bad coordination between the relevant agencies and the ministries of the government. We understand that there are rules that govern construction of buildings in and around airports. That so many buildings were allowed to come up only point to the fact that the rules have been deliberately flouted by the relevant authorities as well as the owners of the buildings. RAJUK cannot hide behind the excuse of lack of manpower for their failure to apply their oversight mechanism to prevent this happening.

While we are masters of 'back sight and forethought' it must be clear to all that not on all issues can corners be cut. Someone must answer for the situation that has been thrown up with its immense loss potential, with the prospect of being ostracised as an airport, as well as that which the demolishing of the buildings will entail.

As for our air traffic control the CAAB must incorporate up to date technology available in this field and enhance the controllers' efficiency through rigorous training, both at home and abroad.

We all deserve a safer sky.