Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Sept 14: A rise in the number of birds of about 100 species nesting in and around Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) has heightened the danger of planes being hit by birds. BPIA authorities, worried about a possible downgrading of the airport’s status and even cancellation of its licence, now want to deal with the crisis by capturing the birds.
BPIA director Sharad Kumar said Monday that frequent bird-hit situations in the state’s only operational airport have posed a major challenge for flight operations. All attempts by the airport authorities to scare the birds by using laser guns and crackers have failed so far, he said.
“We have therefore written a letter to the Principal Conservator of Forests for permission to capture the birds found in and around the airport area. The captured birds could be handed over to the forest department officials,” said Kumar to journalists.
Frequent incidents of bird hits, Kumar added, could adversely affect the prospects of the airport and may even prompt international aviation agencies to seek cancellation of the airport’s license. He urged the municipal authorities to close down all Illegal butcher shops functioning in close proximity of the landing zone of aircrafts, as it is largely these shops that attract birds.
“A survey conducted by ornithologists in the core area of the airport four months back identified more than 48 bird species such as lapwings, black kites and grey francolin, among others, which pose great threat to flights,” said Kumar. “This survey also found more than 100 bird species in and around the airport area. Birds and flights can never co-exist, and a coordinated action plan is required to put an end to bird hit incidents,” added Kumar.
Air Transport Control (ATC) senior manager SK Sahu said every year five to six critical bird hit incidents have been reported from BPIA. “Chances of a major disaster owing to engine failure caused by bird hits cannot be ruled out in future unless the bird population in and around the airport is drastically controlled,” he added.
Meanwhile, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) environment department said it has demolished more than 110 illegal butcher shops near the airport area last week. The officials, however, admitted that more than 50 butcher shops still operate in the area.