Page 11 - CIJ June 2025-Digital Edition

NEWS TRACK

Bird Strikes Reduced

emoval of multiple open garbage kites, and lapwings spotted near the
dumpsites and introduction of airport posed serious safety hazards.
covered containers around the While most bird strikes result in minor
airport have played a key role the damage, collisions with windshields
Rnumber of bird strike and near- or bird ingestion into engines can be
miss incidents at Kolkata airport in extremely dangerous.
recent times. Open garbage dumps were
a problem as they attracted scavengers Garbage collection sites and
which posed a threat to flight uncovered meat shops along the runway
operations. Between January and April approach path needed immediate
2025, there were only four confirmed attention. Additional problematic
bird strike incidents reported. This locations mentioned in the report
is a considerable improvement when included open dumps near and behind
compared to 26 incidents the previous the airport perimeter wall — many of
year and 18 in 2023. which lacked proper waste disposal
The measures taken by airport infrastructure. According to Rule 91 of
authorities, including a comprehensive the Aircraft Rules, 1937, it is illegal to
bird and wildlife hazard assessment and slaughter animals, dispose garbage or
the deployment of bird-scaring devices engage in any activities likely to attract
that emit sonic and ultrasonic waves birds or animals within a 10-km radius
to deter birds during aircraft landing of an airport. Violations are punishable
and take-off have also paid dividends. by up to three years in prison, a fine of
Airport officials noted that pigeons, up to Rs10 lakhs, or both.

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