Bird hits: Ahmedabad airport overtakes IGI

The issue was discussed at the National Bird Control Committee’s second meeting here on Tuesday and Wednesday. The committee,revived after two decades in June this year,addressed the issue of bird strikes resulting in accidents at different airports in its meeting,which concluded today.

The meeting reviewed action taken by the DGCA on directions issued by NBCC in its first meeting on June 3.

At the meeting,chaired by Civil Aviation Secretary M M Nambiar,the committee was informed that concerned sections of the aircraft rules have been amended to allow imposing a penalty of Rs 1 lakh,or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months,or both,for the offence of leaving any animal,object or bird in the movement area of an aerodrome,according to sources.

One of the reasons cited for frequent bird hits at the Delhi airport is the large number of houses overlooking the runway. The garbage dumps and drains near the airport area also attract birds.

The DGCA would also review the various equipment and methods used at different airports to prevent bird strikes,it was informed. It has also been made mandatory for airline operators to get an online system to report bird strikes.