MCD to initiate steps to curb bird hit menace around IGI airport

New Delhi, July 29 (UNI) Reacting to a number of aircraft mishaps caused by bird hits, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi today said it would initiate steps to curb the menace.

Speaking at a meeting with a delegation of senior officers of Delhi International Airport Pvt. Ltd. led by Associate Vice President (Safety, Health and Environment), M P Murlidharan, Chairman of the MCD Standing Committee Vijender Gupta assured that MCD will initiate necessary steps to curb bird menace in the areas around the Indira Gandhi International Airport so as to avoid Aircraft accidents.

At the meeting, where senior officers of the MCD were also present, Mr Gupta was apprised of seven locations where dumping of animal and poultry wastes took place unchecked.

''These dumpings are illegal and they attract birds from far flung places. As a result, the concentration of birds is increasing day by day,'' Mr Gupta said.

Mr Gupta informed the delegation that removal of undesirable dumping and illegal activities which attracted birds needed a joint operation by the MCD, DDA, Delhi Government, DJB and Delhi Cantonment Board along with IGIA and Airport Authorities.

Mr Murlidharan pointed out that seven locations which need attention were the stormwater drain at Dwarka Sector-8, the main sewage canal area at Indira Market, R.K. Puram, piggery and slaughter wastes in Mehram Nagar, the makeshift Sunday market in Cantonment area, Dabri Mor Market, Sadar Bazar slaughter waste dumps and the Ghazipur poultry waste dump site (of Agriculture Marketing Produce Committee).

After discussion with the senior officers of MCD, Mr Gupta assured the delegation that the MCD will support and actively participate in the joint action by the DDA, Delhi Government, Delhi Jal Board and others.

It would be ensured that no animal and poultry waste shall be thrown into stormwater drain at Dwarka Sector-8, which often attracted the birds. Delhi Jal Board would also be requested to ensure regular cleaning and desilting of the nallah.

He also assured that all the 60-70 stalls selling poultry meat at Indira Market, R.K. Puram will be removed shortly. Similarly, the poultry and fish stalls from Dabri Mor Market will be removed by the MCD. As regards piggery and slaughter waste in Mehram Nagar and Sunday Market, Mr. Gupta said ''these areas fall under the Delhi Cantonment Board. However, MCD will request the senior functionaries of the Board to initiate necessary action in this regard. The slaughter waste dumps at Sadar Bazar situated in Cantonment area will need immediate attention. MCD is prepared to assist Delhi Cantonment Board if need be.'' The delegation apprised Mr Gupta that nearly 1 lakh birds were attracted towards Ghazipur waste dump site which is a major hazard for safety of Aircraft. After discussion with senior officers of MCD, it transpired that the poultry and fish market was being run by the Agriculture Marketing Produce Committee of the Delhi Government and as such, the action was required to be taken by them.

Mr Gupta assured the delegation that he would personally take the matter with Delhi Government and get initiated necessary action without any delay.

The delegation informed Mr Gupta that Delhi International Airport Pvt Ltd had initiated various actions to curb the bird menace. They said 25 bird chasers per shift were deployed to cover all the three runways. This number was being increased to 50 per shift. High intensity crackers were being used for scaring away birds. Scare Crow devises mounted on vehicles were also being deployed.

Polycarbonates spikes on runway approach lights had been installed. There number was being increased from 300 to 1000.

Grass cutting and vegetation control had been stepped up. Silver Flutter strips were being installed at runways to scare away birds.

The possibility of use of laser torch and signal pistols as well as laser sweep machines for runways were being explored.

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