Bhubaneswar airport faces wildlife menace: Authorities seek solutions to prevent bird strikes

Bhubaneswar: Transport department has written to Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), and the city forest division, drawing their attention to wildlife menace, particularly of birds, at Biju Patnaik International Airport, amid reports of four or five bird-hit cases a month, sources said.

Airport director Prasanna Pradhan said a team of 20 people are engaged at present exclusively for chasing the birds away, otherwise, there could have been more bird-hit cases.

With monsoon approaching, the airport authorities apprehend that more birds could be attracted as there will be growth of insects. Hence, it proposed to dismantle the bird nesting points in and around the airport.

A letter from transport department sent to the three organisations on Wednesday stated that on Nov 20 last year, a meeting was held to deliberate on the increasing incidences of wildlife hazards in and around Biju Patnaik International Airport.

“Various issues were discussed among the stakeholders of the state govt and Airports Authority of India, and the minutes of the meeting were circulated for necessary action at their end. In view of this, it is requested to review and ensure compliance with the decisions taken on Nov 20 last year at your end,” said the letter to the BMC, OUAT (which is located near airport) and the city DFO.

Airport officials said during monsoon, when the grass and shrubs grow tall, insects also breed. In addition, animals like wild cats and jackals roam around and hide, taking advantage of the growth. “If there are nesting points (trees) close to the airport, birds come from there to eat the insects. If we cut the trees, birds won’t have space for nesting. The coconut trees on OUAT land are also growing taller, which can pose a danger to the aircraft,” said airport director Pradhan.

The director added Japanese quail, a tiny bird, has been found to be a major headache as they keep hiding in the grass and come along the runway. These birds keep encroaching on the runway during landing and take-off of aircraft.

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