The Pune airport area is facing increasing aviation risks as unchecked garbage dumping attracts large flocks of birds, heightening the probability of bird strikes. Officials report that more than 120 bird strike incidents have been documented in the past three years near the airport, which operates under Indian Air Force (IAF) management. The trend underscores a critical safety challenge for both military and commercial flights in the region.
Aerospace safety officials note that open plots within a 2-kilometre radius of the airfield, largely privately owned, serve as dumping grounds for waste, while nearby water bodies further attract birds. Despite repeated advisories from Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), property owners have made limited efforts to maintain cleanliness. Flocks of birds, alongside stray animals, frequently occupy these spaces, creating a tangible hazard to aircraft operations. A senior IAF officer explained, “Bird strikes can result in engine failure and catastrophic accidents. The potential for a crash near densely populated areas is extremely high, necessitating urgent corrective measures.” Recent site visits revealed chronic dumping hotspots along Lohegaon-Wadgaon Shinde Road, Lohegaon-Kharadi Road, Gurdwara locality, Hartale Vasti, and Lohegaon Gaothan. Although PMC collects waste in two shifts, the process remains ineffective against habitual dumping.
In a June 2025 review, IAF personnel recorded bird activity after an Air India flight experienced a bird strike upon landing at Pune airport, leading to cancellation of the return journey. The Aerospace Safety Section stressed that garbage accumulation significantly increases the likelihood of such incidents and requested the PMC to adopt immediate, sustained interventions to reduce bird activity near the airfield. While PMC officials claim increased efforts, including fines totaling Rs 4 lakh over two months and deployment of additional staff and vehicles, residents argue that enforcement remains inadequate. Local citizens have demanded strict accountability, permanent fencing for private plots, and a structured monitoring system to deter violations.
The challenges are compounded by hundreds of unfenced private plots in the vicinity. Plot owners cite limited capacity to prevent waste dumping, emphasising the need for active municipal supervision and enforcement. Civic authorities are coordinating with the IAF to implement long-term waste management measures, including covered disposal systems and CCTV monitoring to prevent recurrence. Aviation experts and ornithologists highlight that while waste management is critical, a comprehensive ornithological study is essential to understand bird species, behaviour, and peak activity periods, enabling scientific mitigation strategies. “Garbage removal is one step, but long-term aviation safety requires structured monitoring and community awareness campaigns,” explained a bird conservation expert.
Pune airport director reiterated the importance of safe civil flight operations, noting over 100 daily take-offs and landings with a footfall of approximately 30,000 passengers. As Pune grows rapidly, authorities must ensure sustainable and safe air traffic management.
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