BNHS to help avoid bird hits at Navi Mumbai airport

The state government has appointed the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) to carry out a detailed three-year study to avert bird hits once the proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport becomes operational.
The nature conservation research NGO will conduct a season-by-season survey of the existing species of birds — both local and migratory — their habitat and behaviour patterns and suggest mitigation measures to avoid birds crashing into aircraft. It will also advise the government on land use patterns and activities such as slaughter houses, dumping grounds, waterlogging and butterfly parks that should be avoided around the airport to keep away birds.
State government officials believe that the problem of birds hovering in the area will be compounded by the swathes of replanted mangroves that will spread over 370 hectares in the vicinity of the airport. Officials worry that the marshy land is bound to be a breeding ground for tiny marine organisms which will draw birds.
“The mangroves will be within 300 metres of the runway on the northern Waghavli side and on either side of the Gadhi river. BNHS will study the area and advise us on how to keep birds away from the mangroves,” said T C Benjamin, Principal Secretary for Urban Development Department. He added that the comprehensive study will be carried out over three years to account for migratory birds also.
10/06/11 Shalini Nair/Indian Express

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Categories: Airports Jun 2011