Dehradun News: There has been a significant rise in ‘bird-hit’ incidents during takeoff and landing at Dehradun airport. Following a six-month investigation, the Wildlife Institute has reported that birds frequently soar to significant altitudes over the waste disposal areas in Kansaro and Keshavpuri communities, posing a significant risk of potentially catastrophic accidents involving aircraft.
Dehradun Airport is surrounded by forest
Both of these locations fall within the flight paths of aircraft during takeoff and landing at Dehradun Airport. The local authorities have been strongly advised to relocate the waste disposal site. Dehradun Airport is encompassed by dense forests on three sides, with Rajaji Park in close proximity. Within this vicinity, there exists a dumping area for garbage.
This area also serves as a dumping ground for deceased animals, attracting predatory animals that leave partially consumed prey within the forest. Consequently, numerous bird species continuously hover in the airspace around the airport. Among these avian inhabitants, a substantial portion consists of carnivorous birds, notable for their large size and ability to soar to considerable altitudes. In the event of a collision between one of these birds and an aircraft, a significant and potentially catastrophic accident could transpire.
The biggest risk comes from the municipal garbage dumping zone situated in the Keshavpuri colony along the banks of the Song River in Doiwala and The Kansaro Range area within Rajaji Park. Various types of birds have been observed in the airport’s airspace. The Wildlife Institute’s report, submitted to the airport administration, mentions the presence of parrots, pigeons, eagles, hawks, Dhanesh birds, herons, and Himalayan Griffon vultures.
Measures taken by Dehradun airport
In response to the bird strike incidents at the airport, a team of ten to twelve people is on standby near the runway during operational hours. They use Zone Guns and Bird Laser Guns to produce firecracker-like sounds. Additionally, sound-emitting fireworks and reflective ribbons have been positioned at elevated locations. Currently, the airport administration is in the process of procuring a specialised device that can disperse birds by generating various simultaneous sounds.
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