Experts suggest ways to reduce hazards posed by birds to flights

The Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) is one of the centres of excellence of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
It is named after famous Indian ornithologist (bird scientists) Salim Ali.
SACON’s mission is “To help conserve India’s biodiversity and its sustainable use through research, education and peoples’ participation with birds at the centre stage”.
SACON is located at Anaikatty, 24km northwest of Coimbatore city, Tamil Nadu.

Salim Ali Centre For Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) has come out with a publication “Best Practices for Mitigation of the Hazards Posed by Birds to Aircraft” which tries to give mitigation strategies to reduce hazards posed by birds to aircraft.
At least two planes are struck every day in India by airborne birds or animals on runways, accidents that pose a serious risk to human lives and the aviation industry.
According to latest data obtained through the RTI law from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), more than 4,000 aircraft suffered wildlife strikes — hit by birds or animals — in about 80 airports over the past five years.
Hence the publication tries to resolve this through following suggestions.

A systematic study of birdlife at an airfield and understanding the bird community structure and its changes are essential for mitigating the dangers posed by birds to flights.
Hence, it suggests creating a database of all bird species in the 10 km radius of airports.
Feeding of birds by people close to airports (within a radius of 2 km) should be discouraged and stopped. It provides species specific suggestions.
Suggests discouraging slaughterhouses and dumping of waste very close to airports to avoid carnivorous birds such as kites.
To discourage lapwing (a kind of bird) activity, appropriate short grass cover should be developed and maintained preferably at less than 15 cm height inside the airfield.
Water stagnation should be cleared to keep away pigeons. Crows can be discouraged by relocating food dumping areas.
It recommends ornithological training for the Air Traffic Control ( ATC) staff focussing on problematic birds would help them take adequate decision.
Suggests awareness creation and public participation in reducing the hazards posed by birds to aircraft.

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