Bird-watchers in the city are upset with the HAL Airport authorities for shooting birds that pose a threat to the safety of aircraft. On an average 25 flights (30 to 40 on some days), including test flights and chartered flights, take off and land at the airport.
Sources at HAL Airport claim that authorities have got the permission from the Forest Department to shoot birds. First they try to scare away the birds so that they do not pose a threat to flights. But birds are shot when they are sighted when a plane is landing.Some birders think that the airport, by shooting birds, is setting a precedent which other airports may follow. Wing Commander Mahesh Kumar, who works in a company that studies bird behaviour to manage them, said storm water drains near the Golf Course ensure that birds get enough food. M.B. Krishna, ornithologist and member of the panel set up last year to find a solution to the problem, said the airport should try habitat management steps like clearing the garbage and keeping the drains clean. “Examine all alternatives before killing birds for no crime.”
