Kolkata: The state tourism department is all set to host the kite festival at the Eco Park in New Town on Friday despite objections from the Kolkata airport authorities.The latter had asked the tourism department, which is organising the fest, to change the venue as the Eco Park is located within 5 km of the airport. Kolkata airport officials have also written to the North 24 Parganas district magistrate and Bidhannagar Police Commissioner, highlighting the danger that kites may pose to flight operations on Friday, if the festival is held.In the past, use of laser at functions and festivals has posed a problem for arriving flights. Kolkata airport authorities had written to the North 24 Parganas administration, highlighting the need to curb the lasers. Similar curbs have also been placed on use of sky lanterns during Diwali.“Since the proposed area of the Kite Festival is within the approach and take-off path of the airport, such activity may constitute significant safety risk to aircraft operations,” the Kolkata airport operator has said in the letter. While kites are traditionally flown on the occasion of Vishwakarma Puja, there is added fervour this year due to the Kite Festival being organised by the state tourism department. Anticipating the problem, the tourism department had written to the airport authorities a few days ago, seeking necessary permission for the Kite Festival. It had also sought necessary directions from the authorities to ensure that the event does not cause any hindrance to safe flight operations.Sources said pilots had also expressed concern, pointing out that kites in the vicinity of the airport pose significant hazard to aircraft operations, especially during the critical landing and take-off phase.Large kites and strong synthetic strings can get sucked into jet engines, break compressor blades, or wrap around propellers and landing gear, causing damage comparable to a bird strike. “Low-flying kites near flight paths may force air traffic controllers to alter approaches, hold flights, or issue a notice to airmen, leading to delays,” a pilot said. While pilots have not faced any kite manace in Kolkata in the past, those operating to Ahmedabad airport durnig the Uttarayan festival in Jan say it is a nightmare. The Airports Authority of India issues a notice to airmen, warning pilots to exercise caution during arrival and departure due to kite flying during the day and lighted kite flying at night.
