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Ahmedabad: AC fish market to avoid bird menace at airport runway

At present, the market falls on the funnel (the aircraft landing route) of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) airport.

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Keeping in line with the aircraft safety, the Asarwa fish market, which is the main cause of scavenger bird population hovering near the airport, is likely to be air-conditioned. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has requested the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to relocate the market, but till the time relocation plan is finalised, it is learnt that the temporary plan includes the market to be -covered with a glass and air-condition it to avoid birds hovering around the place.

A meeting regarding the same was held between AMC commissioner Vijay Nehra and Airport director Manoj Gangal on Monday. Highly placed sources close to the development said, "The AMC will convert the market into an air-conditioned one and AAI will fund the temporary project."

The Chamanpura fish market is located about 3.5 kms from Ahmedabad airport. In 2011, the vendors were allotted closed shops under the Chamunda bridge for a token amount. A waste collection van visited shops twice a day. But over the years, for their convenience and comfort, the vendors moved out in the open.

At present, the market falls on the funnel (the aircraft landing route) of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) airport. An official from AAI said, "The main cause of problem is the left over meat or fish lying on the road, attracting birds.

AMC commissioner Vijay Nehra said, "We received some suggestion, but no specific decision has been taken." Airport director Manoj Gangal was unavailable for comment.

Last year, the AAI had imported a machine, the first in India, with high capacity of grass cutting and collecting power with its adjustable height discouraging the birds on the runway. The machine priced at Rs 52 lakh, can cover 3-4 acres in an hour. The data revealed in an RTI reply by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation that between January 2015 and July 2016 there has been 70 bird strikes. "But in the last two years, the number of bird-hits went down almost 50 per cent", said a source from airport.

In-Depth

 In 2011, vendors were allotted closed shops under Chamunda bridge. A waste collection van visited shops, but over the years, for their convenience the vendors moved out in the open

 

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