Explore New Technologies to Reduce Bird Activity for Air Safety – Maharashtra Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar

Modernization of Versova Waste Transfer Station to Begin Immediately, Tender to Be Issued Within 15 Days

Mumbai: To reduce the risk to air traffic posed by bird strikes, Maharashtra’s Minister for Cultural Affairs and IT, and Guardian Minister for Mumbai Suburbs, Adv. Ashish Shelar, has directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to issue a tender within 15 days for the modernization and roofing of the Versova Waste Transfer Station. The project must begin immediately, he said.

He also called for innovative solutions to prevent bird activity near the airport’s garbage collection centers and dumping grounds. “Scientists, environmental experts, and young researchers must be engaged to suggest new ideas and technologies,” Shelar said.

These instructions were given during a high-level review meeting held on June 25 at the Mantralaya, chaired by Adv. Shelar. The meeting focused on reducing bird strike incidents around the Mumbai airport. It was attended by senior officials from the BMC, Airports Authority of India, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and Mumbai Fire Brigade.

Bird Strikes Rising: Innovative Thinking Needed

The Minister noted that the presence of garbage dumps, mangroves, and forest areas within a 10-kilometer radius of the airport increases the number of birds, posing serious threats to aircraft.

Bird strike incidents have been steadily increasing:

• 2020: 20 incidents
• 2021: 35
• 2022: 36
• 2023: 60
• 2024: 59
• 2025 (till June): 19

Additionally, the Thane Creek area has seen a massive increase in migratory birds. While there were 10,000 flamingos in 2015, this number surged to 200,000 by 2024.

Incidents have occurred at varying altitudes in 2024:

• 50–200 feet: 3 incidents
• Up to 500 feet: 16 incidents
• 500–1000 feet: 13 incidents
• Above 3,000 feet: 11 incidents

Key hotspots include Deonar, Kanjurmarg dumping grounds, and the Versova Waste Transfer Station, all of which fall within the airport’s funnel zone. The abundance of food waste in these areas attracts large flocks of birds, increasing the risk to planes during takeoff and landing.

Immediate Actions & Long-Term Solutions

In view of this, Minister Shelar stressed that modernization of the Versova Waste Transfer Station must be taken up on a war footing. The 2-acre facility must be equipped with:

• Overhead roofing (shed cover)
• Odor control systems
• Mobile compaction units

Tenders for these improvements must be floated within 15 days, and work should begin at the earliest, he directed.

Highlighting that the BMC currently lacks any advanced technology to deter birds, Shelar instructed officials to draft a “problem statement” clearly outlining the issues. He proposed a “hackathon” inviting scientists, entrepreneurs, startups, and young researchers to come up with effective and eco-friendly solutions.

These ideas should be studied with the help of organizations such as the Environmental Department, Pollution Control Board, and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), he added. A detailed report based on their findings should then be prepared.

Formation of Expert Panel and Use of AEMC

To ensure expert scrutiny of the report and proposed solutions, Shelar recommended the formation of a special expert committee or consultation with the Airport Environment Management Committee (AEMC). This state-level committee includes senior officials from the Environment Department, District Collectorate, BMC, and senior airport authorities.

“We will soon request a meeting of the AEMC to review the bird strike issue in the funnel zone,” Shelar stated.

Ahmedabad Incident Sparks Urgency

The meeting was convened against the backdrop of a recent aviation incident in Ahmedabad, which highlighted the urgent need for action around Mumbai Airport. With Mumbai being one of the busiest aviation hubs in India, ensuring air safety is of utmost priority, the Minister emphasized.

During the meeting, BMC officials confirmed that while current anti-bird strike measures are minimal, they are exploring the use of new technologies for faster waste disposal and better site management. However, formal proposals are still under BMC consideration.

Conclusion

Adv. Ashish Shelar’s directives signal a proactive and technology-driven approach to resolving the critical issue of bird strikes near Mumbai Airport. By involving multiple stakeholders—government bodies, scientific institutions, startups, and civil society—the state aims to develop sustainable, innovative, and long-term solutions to ensure flight safety and environmental responsibility.