Shrubs around runway breed insects, pests

Airport staff face risk from snakes, scorpions

LAHORE:

Unchecked growth of shrubs, bushes and tall grass around the fire brigade station set up at the Allama Iqbal International Airport has become a breeding ground for animals, including snakes and scorpions.

The greenery has spread around the building due to which not only the firefighting staff, but also personnel of the Airport Security Force (ASF) and employees of airlines face risk of insect or pest bite while performing their duties.

Snakes, scorpions, rats and dangerous insects have reportedly been seen in the grass and shrubs surrounding the fire brigade building and alternate runway. A number of security, fire brigade and airline employees who load luggage have suffered insect bites.

Last week, ASF ASI Muhammad Nadeem was reportedly bitten by a snake at Karachi Jinnah International Airport. He was rushed to a hospital and died during treatment.

The news spread fear among the employees at Lahore airport. As per sources, the security and fire brigade personnel have repeatedly informed the heads of their departments and the airport manager about the situation.

The sources said a snake and rats had also been found around catering vehicles near an aeroplane recently. Security personnel and bird shooters were called.

Despite the incident, long weeds and bushes are still present around the secondary runway and the fire brigade building.

A fire brigade official at the airport told The Express Tribune that tyres and other implements, tractors, and parts used in aircraft repair and maintenance were also lying unattended in the area. “There is also a lot of dirt and eagles and other birds who eat the rats, snakes and insects in the weeds and bushes.”

A security official said the insects, snakes and scorpions came out of the grass due to noise when the planes took off or landed. “Many times they are shot at and temporarily pushed away.”

When Allama Iqbal International Airport General Manager (GM) Akhtar Mirza was contacted, he stated that the work of cutting grass and bushes had been started. “It was monsoon season in Punjab and it was not possible to cut grass and bushes at the time. Due to the rains and mud the bushes and grass grew faster than normal days.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 1^st, 2020.