Bird-hit spike prompts plan to cover Mumbai airport's nearby dumpsites
Notably, the area within a 10-km radius of the Mumbai Airport includes dumping grounds, mangroves and forest land, which attract a large number of birds, thereby posing a threat to air travel.During the meeting, BMC officials stated that they currently do not possess any technology to deter birds. However, they are exploring the use of new technologies to manage waste more efficiently, particularly to reduce wastewater, and a proposal in this regard is under active consideration.Taking note of that, Shelar emphasised the need to invite scientists, entrepreneurs, young researchers and startups to contribute innovative ideas. To facilitate this, he proposed organising a dedicated hackathon to crowdsource practical and technology-driven solutions to the problem.advertisementShelar added that the findings of the hackathon will be discussed with concerned agencies and stakeholders and a report will then be prepared based on these evaluations. He also suggested setting up a State Airport Environment Committee (AEMC) for consultation and guidance on implementing the proposed solutions.Additionally, Minister Shelar emphasised the urgent need to modernise the Versova Waste Transfer Centre, which lies within the airport's funnel zone and spans approximately 2 acres. The modernisation plan should include the construction of a shed cover, installation of an odour control system, and deployment of a mobile compaction unit. He instructed that tenders be issued within the next 15 days and that the work commence without delay.FREQUENT BIRD HITS AGGRAVATE SITUATIONBird strikes on aircraft are on the rise with 20 incidents reported in 2020, 35 in 2021, 36 in 2022, 60 in 2023, and 59 in 2024. As many as three major bird-hit incidents have been reported this past week only.On June 18, a Kolkata-bound IndiGo flight was aborted just minutes before take off in Bhubaneshwar due to a bird strike while the flight was on the runway.Two days later, an Air India flight from Delhi to Pune was grounded following a bird hit. On June 24, an Air India flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi was cancelled following a suspected bird strike just before landing in the Kerala capital.advertisementMeanwhile, there has also been a noticeable rise in the number of migratory birds, such as flamingos, in the Thane creek area. Their population has surged from 10,000 in 2015 to 2 lakh in 2024, as per official data, calling for immediate reformatory measures to be taken.- Ends
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