SRINAGAR: After the Indian Air Force (IAF) raised serious concerns over the growing circulation of photographs and videos of Air Force Station Leh, the Union Territory administration of Ladakh Thursday directed security agencies to strictly enforce existing regulations and prevent unauthorized photography and videography in and around the installation.
IAF Concerns Over Social Media Circulation
Air Force authorities expressed serious concern over the increasing circulation of photographs and videos depicting operational zones on various social media platforms, noting that such activities could compromise security and operational confidentiality, a Ladakh UT government spokesperson said. He said in response, the administrative secretary, civil aviation department, UT Ladakh, Nidhi Malik, directed the concerned agencies to strengthen enforcement of existing regulations, undertake public awareness initiatives regarding restricted areas, and formulate appropriate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aimed at preventing unauthorized photography and videography in sensitive locations.
Leh Airport Operations
Leh Airport belongs to the Indian Air Force (IAF) Ministry of Defence and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) maintains a civil enclave for civil operations. Malik, who on Thursday chaired a high-level interdepartmental meeting to review and deliberate on a range of critical operational, infrastructure, aviation safety and security concerns raised by Air Force Station Leh, also discussed installation of CCTV cameras and other surveillance infrastructure in areas overlooking sensitive Air Force establishments. She directed that all concerned departments and implementing agencies would ensure that any surveillance infrastructure is installed strictly in accordance with prescribed security guidelines and only after obtaining the necessary clearances from competent authorities.
Interdepartmental Meeting
The meeting, attended by senior representatives from the Air Force Station Leh, the Civil Aviation Department, the Airports Authority, the Public Works Department (PWD), the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the Power Development Department (PDD), the Revenue Department, the Urban Development Department, the Wildlife Department, was convened to review issues affecting the safe, secure and efficient functioning of aviation operations at Leh Airport and to identify actionable measures for their timely resolution.
Infrastructure Development and Safety
The government spokesperson said the meeting also reviewed a number of infrastructure development projects in areas surrounding the airport, including road widening works, construction of culverts, strengthening of village roads and the improvement of critical approach routes. Discussions focused on ensuring that developmental activities proceed in a manner that does not compromise aviation safety requirements while also facilitating the smooth movement of essential services, local residents and emergency response vehicles, the spokesman said adding that the secretary directed the executing agencies to adhere to approved project timelines and maintain close coordination with Air Force authorities throughout the implementation process to ensure compliance with safety norms.
Unauthorized Constructions and Land-Use Regulation
About unauthorized constructions, building permissions, land-use regulation around airport zones, the administrative secretary directed the concerned departments to strengthen monitoring mechanisms, enhance enforcement measures and ensure that all future development activities conform to prescribed aviation safety standards.
