South Goa Collector issues an order prohibiting passengers from using any laser or searchlights on the flight. The order warns passengers to refrain from flashing any sharp laser lights on the flight, which might invite legal action.
In an order issued by the South Goa Collector Jyoti Kumari, IAS, she has stated that instances have been reported where some unknown person flashed a laser light when the aircraft were flying at night. This could potentially cause the pilots temporary blindness while they are in a critical stage of flight and preparing for landing.
The order further stated that while the laser beams may appear small on the ground, the illumination expands by the time it reaches the cockpit and the dazzling effect on pilots can lead to inadvertent hazardous situations, which is a serious concern.
Considering the serious threat to aviation safety concerns, to curb such activities and in the larger public interest, the general public and tourists are directed to refrain from flashing or pointing any laser beam/light, searchlights, etc on any aircraft so as avoid any untoward incident, endangering the lives of hundreds of people.
The order concludes by warning that further attention of the general public is invited to note the fact that such an act is illegal and amounts to an offence punishable under the law.