What New Strategies Can Deter Bird Activity Near Airports? Maha Minister

Mumbai, June 26 (NationPress) The Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban, Ashish Shelar, urged scientists, environmental specialists, and emerging researchers to propose creative solutions and technologies aimed at curbing bird activity near garbage collection and disposal sites adjacent to airports.

To mitigate the hazards associated with air travel stemming from bird strikes, the minister has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to initiate the modernization and coverage of the Versova waste transfer station within the next 15 days.

During a meeting, he emphasized the need to bolster safety measures at Mumbai Airport, particularly following a recent plane crash in Ahmedabad.

Understanding the urgency of the situation, the minister called for the formulation of a clear problem statement to steer the quest for solutions. He stressed the importance of attracting scientists, entrepreneurs, young researchers, and startups to share their innovative concepts. To this end, he suggested organizing a hackathon specifically designed to crowdsource practical and technology-driven solutions.

The minister noted that the area within a 10 km radius of Mumbai Airport encompasses dumping grounds, mangroves, and forested regions, which draw a significant number of birds, thereby endangering air travel.

“Reports of bird strikes involving aircraft are escalating – from 20 in 2020 to 60 in 2023, and already 19 recorded as of January 2025. Additionally, the number of migratory birds, such as flamingos, in the Thane Creek Area has increased dramatically from 10,000 in 2015 to 200,000 in 2024,” stated the minister.

In 2024, bird strikes were recorded at altitudes ranging from 50 to 200 feet (3 incidents), up to 500 feet (16 incidents), between 500 and 1,000 feet (13 incidents), and above 3,000 feet (11 incidents).

Minister Shelar highlighted that Mumbai's Deonar and Kanjurmarg dumping sites, along with the Versova waste transfer center, fall within the airport's critical funnel zone. The accumulation of food waste in these locations attracts a considerable number of birds, posing a grave risk to aircraft during takeoff and landing.

“This critical matter was thoroughly discussed in a recent high-level meeting, where officials reviewed actionable measures to alleviate the risk. Given the serious implications for aviation safety, a comprehensive review was conducted to determine what actions the BMC could take,” he added.

During the meeting, BMC officials mentioned that they currently lack the technology to deter birds. However, they are investigating the adoption of new technologies for more efficient waste management, especially aimed at reducing wastewater, with a proposal under active consideration, said the minister.

Minister Shelar stated that any new ideas should undergo testing and evaluation in collaboration with the Environment Department, the Pollution Control Board, and the Bombay Natural History Society. A detailed report should then be compiled based on these assessments. An expert committee should be established to recommend effective remedial measures.

Alternatively, the matter may be referred to the State Airport Environment Committee (AEMC) for consultation and guidance on implementing the proposed solutions.

Moreover, he stressed the immediate need to modernize the Versova Waste Transfer Center, which spans approximately 2 acres and lies within the airport's funnel zone. The modernization plan should include the construction of a shed cover, the installation of an odour control system, and the deployment of a mobile compaction unit.

He instructed that tenders be released within the next 15 days and that work commence without delay.

The minister indicated that a formal request will be made to the environment minister to convene the Airport Environment Committee (AEMC) meeting at the earliest opportunity. The AEMC is tasked with addressing urgent issues such as bird strikes in the airport’s funnel zone, and last convened in April 2024. No subsequent meetings have taken place since, as acknowledged by the Airport Authority during the recent review meeting.

The committee consists of the Secretary of the Environment Department, the District Magistrate, BMC officials, and senior airport authorities.