₹50,000 fine if toilet waste dropped during take-off, landing: DGCA threatens airlines

NEW DELHI: In what looked to be a hurried circular, the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) has warned airlines operating in India that they would have to pay a penalty of Rs50,000 if they empty the toilet tank during take off or landing. The order, issued on August 30, came after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) warned the aviation regulator that it would stop funding the salaries of DGCA employees if it failed to issue a circular by August 31.

“In compliance with the directions of the NGT, all air operators have been directed to not to release any waste during landing and take off or near airports. The operators have been told that they would have to pay Rs 50,000 as environmental compensation if their planes are found dumping waste mid-air. They have been asked to submit monthly reports,” said a DGCA official. However, the aviation regulator maintained that since the matter was subjudice, the directions were only interim.

In October 2016, former Lt Gen Satwant Singh Dahiya, who resides near the Delhi airport, had moved the NGT alleging human excreta was being dumped on his terrace and neighbourhood from the aircraft during landing.

On December 5, 2016, the DGCA formed a three-member committee to investigate the matter.

MANUFACTURERS OF AIRCRAFT CLAIMED THAT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO EMPTY A TOILET TANK MIDAIR

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