India’s latest export to Doha: Rats from Mumbai

 

Red-faced MIAL scrambles to exterminate the rats breeding in its aerobridges.

Mumbai International Airport Ltd was put to severe embarrassment when a rat on its premises ferreted its way on to an overseas flight and arrived at Doha International Airport last week. The crew of the flight were wishing people as they deplaned after the three hour, 25 minute flight when they came face to face with the unauthorised lowlife from India.

At least four airlines - Jet, Continental, Emirates and Qatar - have reported rat sightings along bay numbers 48 to 55 at Mumbai international airport, where there is a sudden rat menace. Officials have narrowed down the problem spots to the aerobridges where the rats are believed to be nesting and breeding.

"Rodents are a cause of worry as they could damage sensitive aircraft wiring, and this would mean disaster," an American pilot who docks his aircraft at these bays, and who has brought the matter to the notice of his superiors, said. "Rats are fond of gnawing off the insulation paddings in aircraft. This could result in malfunctioning or failure of aircraft systems," he added.

The vermin are thriving despite the airport operator MIAL following stringent rodent control measures across its terminals, in keeping with a Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) circular on air safety. Now there is a scramble at the airport to somehow exterminate the rats. Speed is of the essence as rats breed rapidly. A single fertile pair can give rise to 200 rats in a year's time.

"It was embarrassing as it has been reported that a rat travelled across to Qatar," an airport official said, adding that the reason in this case is probably improper hygiene on the part of those who do catering for flights. The airport spokesperson was not available for comment. At this point the aggrieved airlines don't want to rat on MIAL: "We are resolving it internally," said an Emirates spokesperson.

On their part, the wildlife management cell of MIAL has set over two dozen herbal glue traps on the premises, but they have not been able capture the rats as they are far too many and too big for the sticky contraptions, said sources.

An airport official said the organisation is now very strict about garbage and food waste disposal from aircraft. "We discovered that the trash was not properly covered in polythene bags while being moved to places of disposal. Trolleys, ramps, food stores and cabin galleys are not cleaned properly."

DGCA chief Arun Mishra promised to look into the issue. "We have guidelines in place for this and they have to be met. Not implementing rodent control measures is a serious matter," he said.

Experts said though rodent presence on an aircraft is certainly dangerous, all aircraft have built-in alarm systems that set off if there is any break in the wires. "A flashing light will alert the pilots, and the plane can be diverted to the nearest airport for landing. The crew are trained to know exactly what function each wire carries out and will respond appropriately to deal with the situation," an airline official said.

Bishwa srivastava 

PGDM 2ND SEM