Authorities at Chennai International Airport have issued a fresh and urgent appeal to residents living in the vicinity of the airport complex. They are requesting the community to refrain from the traditional practice of burning waste to mark the festival of Bhogi, warning that the resulting dense smoke poses a severe threat to flight safety and operations.
The Annual Visibility Crisis
Every year, the morning of Bhogi brings predictable and significant disruptions to air travel in Chennai. The core of the problem lies in the burning of discarded items, including tyres, plastic materials, and other household waste. This practice generates thick, black plumes of smoke that do not merely pollute the air. The smoke drastically reduces visibility in the airspace around the airport, creating hazardous conditions for landing and taking off.
Last year, the situation escalated to the point where several airlines were forced to proactively reschedule their arrival and departure timings. The fear of poor visibility caused by the early morning burning prompted these pre-emptive changes. Ultimately, the combination of thick Bhogi smoke and seasonal fog enveloped the sky, leading to the outright cancellation of multiple flights as visibility dropped below safe operational limits.
Proactive Measures and Community Outreach
In a bid to prevent a repeat of last year's travel chaos, Chennai airport officials have initiated a multi-pronged awareness campaign. Teams have been actively engaging with neighbourhoods located near the flight paths, using public address (PA) systems to broadcast the appeal directly to residents.
Simultaneously, the authorities have also taken steps to ensure airlines are prepared. A senior airport official confirmed that representatives from various airlines were met with and sensitized about the potential 'Bhogi smoke effect' on operations. This coordination aims to help airlines plan better and manage passenger expectations in case of any unavoidable delays.
A Plea for Safety and Consideration
The appeal underscores a critical conflict between traditional practices and modern infrastructure safety. While acknowledging the cultural significance of Bhogi, airport authorities emphasize that the specific act of burning high-smoke waste materials has direct and dangerous consequences for aviation. They urge residents to seek alternative, eco-friendly ways to celebrate the festival, ensuring both the safety of thousands of air travellers and the well-being of the local environment.
The success of these flights, and the safety of everyone on board, now hinges on the cooperation of the local community in heeding this important safety warning.
