New Delhi: Is the Government of India waiting for a major air crash before finally imposing strict guidelines against the use of laser lights during events around major airports in the country?
The Times of India reported on Sunday that an Indigo flight from Pune had a narrow escape after its pilots were temporarily blinded by laser lights while making the final descent at the Jayprakash Narayan International Airport in Patna on Thursday evening.
This is not an isolated incident. Similar disruptions have been reported by pilots at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata and other locations across the country. The DGCA and the Airports Authority of India have alerted state authorities about this menace and action has been promised. However, pilots claim that they still spot laser lights piercing the sky while landing, particularly during festivals and wedding seasons.
“Some serious steps will have to be taken. An aircraft is most vulnerable during take-off and landing. That is when pilots have to be totally alert. Even a momentary lapse, caused by loss of sight, can lead to disaster. We know that the Centre can do little as such matters are under the jurisdiction of states. At least, meetings with all stakeholders should be held. If necessary, the courts should step in,” a senior pilot told the OB Bureau.
According to the TOI report, flight 6e-653 from Pune to Patna was in its final approach and was descending fast around 6.40 pm when the disruption occurred. The pilot recovered fast enough, regained control of the aircraft, and touched down safely.
As per the reports, the aircraft departed for its next leg of the journey after the Patna airport incident on Thursday, April 17, in the evening. Authorities in Patna carried out a search after being informed of the incident but could not locate the exact location of the event.
“There are marriage halls on Gola Road and the surrounding areas. During weddings, they use DJ lights, which cause inconvenience to the pilots. Such incidents do not happen on a regular basis,” a state official said.
Pilots, however, pointed to the fact that just one major error in judgement (due to temporary blinding) is enough to take the lives of several hundred people. “What do they mean when they say these things do not happen regularly? Such an incident should not happen even once,” the senior pilot said.
