The Civil Aviation Ministry today embarked on a collision course with the Bihar government, threatening to shut down Patna airport if the government didn’t comply with safety directives.Civil Aviation minister Syed Shahnawaz Hussain dashed off an ultimatum to the Rabri Devi Government, saying that unless they co-operated, it would not be possible to continue operations ‘‘as safety of passengers is involved.’’ ‘‘I hope the Bihar government cooperates,’’ he told The Indian Express. ‘‘It would be a shame to close down the Patna airport.’’Following the recommendations of the DGCA Court of Enquiry after the Alliance Air crash at Patna on July 17, 2000, the government was to transfer 4.5 acres of land to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to strengthen the runway. The Bihar Government also reportedly refused permission for the pruning and cutting of around 2,500 trees in the botanical park near the airport. These trees were obstructing landing and take-off, limiting access to the runway.‘‘The landing distance required for safe operations is 7,500 feet. But by not giving permission to cut trees, landing distance was reduced to 5,097 feet,’’ Hussain said. ‘‘As the safety of passengers is involved, it will not be possible for the MCA to direct the airlines to operate to and from Patna unless the state government cooperates in creating safe flying conditions,’’ he said in the letter. The ministry had also written to the state Chief Secretary on July 20 but ‘‘far from acting on the letter, not even a reply has been sent so far.’’Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Laloo Prasad Yadav countered that the Ministry was twisting facts, and that the Bihar Government had given the land to the AAI. ‘‘What land have we stolen from them? They don’t give money to Bihar. This is an insult to Bihar,’’ he said.Hussain later spoke to Laloo on phone, asking him to ensure that the trees were immediately cut or pruned. Hussain told the RJD leader that ‘‘there is no political confrontation’’ between the Centre and State Government.
