QUE : In the context of recent aviation accidents globally, what are the root causes of the increasing aviation-related accidents? Discuss what steps the Government of India should take to enhance aviation safety and emergency management in the sector.

Aviation safety remains a major concern in the global transportation sector. Due to the increasing number of aviation accidents, the causes related to it should be investigated and safety measures should be taken

• Causes behind aviation accidents:
  
• The year 2023 saw the lowest number of accidents and fatalities in the commercial aviation sector in terms of increasing global aviation accidents. According to Adrian Young of the Dutch Air Safety Organization, there were only two fatal accidents in the year 2023, which is much less than the six accidents that occurred in 2022. Among these accidents, high workload and stress on the flight deck were the cause of the Nepal crash in a domestic airline propeller aircraft and bad weather in the Brazil crash. This shows that human factors such as stress and external factors such as weather conditions play a significant role in aviation accidents.
  
• Steps to be taken by the Government of India for aviation safety:
  

• Improvement in infrastructure: In view of the increasing demand for air carriers and aviation services in India, it is necessary to upgrade the airport and air traffic infrastructure. Various problems such as irregular runway marking, sign boards, lighting, improper procedure of rubber removal on the runway, etc., are in urgent need of improvement.
  
•  Air Traffic Control System: In view of the increasing air traffic, there is a dire need for an advanced air traffic control system and skilled human resources for it. It is also necessary to design a system and control towers capable of handling the increasing traffic.
  
•  Fuel quality and local airport development: Commercial and business aircraft operators in less developed areas need to be careful. It is important to maintain uniform fuel efficiency across the country.
  
•  Compliance with international standards: The Government of India is striving to implement the standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization. However, efficient human resources are required to monitor and control the necessary progress in safety standards and infrastructure.
  
•  Increased surveillance and enforcement: In 2023, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation conducted a record 5745 surveillance programs, which also include plane surveillance, spot checks, night surveillance, etc., which is 26% more than the previous year. In addition, there has been a 77% increase in action against incompetent operators and officials with a stricter approach to regulatory matters.

                                While global aviation safety is improving, India’s aviation sector faces unique challenges due to its population and high growth. The Indian government should focus on enhancing air traffic control systems along with infrastructure, continuously improving fuel efficiency, and reducing risks by complying with international standards, thereby enhancing aviation safety, which will help in enhancing confidence in India’s aviation sector, as well as safety.