The growing pigeon population in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, has left officials at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport scratching their heads.
According to the report, at the Ahmedabad airport’s environment committee meeting, the authorities for the first time held that the pigeon population in the area be controlled due to increased density and frequent bird strikes.
According to reports, the pigeon population in city apartments has grown significantly in recent years. In fact, from January of this year to last month, the airport experienced 15 bird strike incidents involving planes departing or arriving at the airport.
However, it is still less than the number of bird strike incidents reported during the same time period last year. From January to September of last year, 35 incidents of bird strikes were reported near the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
Blue rock pigeons, according to officials, typically feed and breed in the crevices of precipitous cliffs along coastlines. They then migrate to human areas inland during their migration period. They now breed and live on the space between air conditioners and ceilings outside on balconies and ledges over apartment windows.
According to the report, the airport authorities have requested assistance from the environment and forest department in controlling the pigeon population. According to airport officials, the fish and meat market near the airport’s take-off and landing area is also a problem because it attracts these birds.