LUCKNOW, Jan. 7 -- In a major step towards the expansion of Chaudhary Charan Singh International (CCSI) Airport and to ensure safe aircraft operations, authorities have ordered the removal of encroachments on Airport Authority of India (AAI) land and a comprehensive survey of building heights within the airport's surrounding areas. The decisions were taken at a high-level meeting of the Airport Environment Management Committee, chaired by divisional commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, held at Terminal-2 of CCSI Airport. Officials from the airport administration, Air Traffic Control (ATC), district administration, Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), municipal corporation, forest department and police were present. During the meeting, airport officials informed that AAI land in the southern zone of the airport has been illegally encroached upon, where farming activities such as fruit and vegetable cultivation are being carried out. These activities increase bird movement near the airport, posing a serious risk to aircraft safety. Taking serious note, the divisional commissioner directed the ADM (east) to form a joint team with the SDM, Sarojini Nagar, to conduct an on-site survey and initiate immediate action to remove the encroachments to facilitate airport expansion and safe operations. The issue of unauthorised meat shops operating near the airport was also raised. Three illegal meat shops were identified in the airport vicinity, which attract birds and pose a safety threat. The divisional commissioner instructed the district administration to form a joint team of the municipal corporation, food safety department, and police to ensure their immediate removal. In another significant directive, the LDA was instructed to measure the height of buildings, towers, staircases, and other structures located within a 20-kilometre radius of the airport and along flight approach paths. Authorities were asked to take action against structures violating prescribed height norms. Special emphasis was laid on monitoring building heights within a 5-kilometre radius of the airport to prevent obstructions to aircraft take-off and landing. Concerns were also raised over high-rise structures, including the Doordarshan tower and high-voltage electricity poles near the airport. The divisional commissioner directed that aviation safety indicator orange ball lights be installed on such structures to improve visibility for pilots....