The Indian truth behind the ruins of Takshasila

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        The truth behind the ruins of Takshasila Takshasila (Taxila ) was a vital Buddhist centre from the fifth century B.C. to the Sixth Century A.D. Takshasila illustrates the different stages in the development of a city on the Indus. It included the ancient Neolithic Saraikala mound, the Sirkap fortification (2nd century B.C.) and the town of Sirsukh (1st century A.D.). Central Asian, Persian and Greek influence can be witnessed at Takshasila. (Centre, 2023). Ancient Takshasila was situated at the pivotal junction of South Asia and Central Asia. The common association of the Huns with Takshasila has been the destroyer of the Buddhist structures at Takshasila. The name “Huns” has been associated with atrocities committed against select groups and vandalism, especially by Attila  in Europe. However, no reliable evidence exists of the Alkhan carrying out such atrocities and destruction in the outgoing fourth century. New archaeological research has revealed that this image does not
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Strong winds & poor visibility can shut down Calicut airport operations

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The airport at Calicut has witnessed 1 accident & 2 serious incidents in the past 3 years where the aircraft have departed the runway surface. The runway is constructed on a tabletop, has hills in close proximity, and experiences heavy rainfall. This makes it a challenging runway to operate to and from. One would expect, additional safety buffers in terms of facilities and infrastructure. Unfortunately, commercial gains have taken priority over safety issues.


If we analyze the runway strip at this airport, one will get an idea of where the safety is headed. Denial is the first step post an accident and the same is the case here. However, the authorities are aware of the safety concerns but have not acted to build safety barriers is a matter of grave concern.


Runway strip as defined in the DGCA, India Civil Aviation Requirement, is a defined area including the runway and stopway, if provided, intended: a) to reduce the risk of damage to aircraft running off a runway; and b) to protect aircraft flying over it during take-off or landing operations. 


In my earlier blogs, I have highlighted the need for providing the runway strip for the safety of aircraft involved in a runway excursion, be it from the side of a runway or the beginning/end. The figure below gives the regulatory requirement that the Calicut airport must comply with in order to meet safety requirements.


DGCA regulatory requirement

Interestingly, in the reply to SafetyMaters RTI, the authorities have stated that the runway meets with the DGCA regulations. They have also issued a letter (not a NOTAM/AIP) to a select few airlines of the conditions under which the airport would be shut down for flight operations since the regulatory requirement for the runway strip is not met at the airport. 


There ought to be a notification in the form of a Notice to Airman or an Aeronautical Information Publication that informs all users who may elect to use the airport under normal operation or arising out of an emergency.



Airport letter stating non-compliance with regulations

Reply to the RTI



The letter mentions that the regulatory requirement is not met due to terrain and land constraints. However, the fact is that the construction of the runway strip of 300m was always practicable and not a constraint. The construction tenders have been floated by the airport authorities but after a delay of a few years and a tragic accident.


Legal definition: Practicable means reasonably practicable having regard among other things to local conditions and circumstances, to the current state of technical knowledge, and to the financial implications.

If the airport earns good revenues from the passenger and cargo movement in high number, what is the harm in investing some amount towards safety?


www.safetymatters.co.in The NGO dedicated to building a generative safety culture. #becausesafetymatters 
 

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