Guwahati: The Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport in Guwahati has launched a multi-faceted approach to enhance safety for passengers and aircraft by minimising bird and wildlife-related incidents on and around the airfield.
The airport’s comprehensive wildlife mitigation strategy includes efficient wildlife management, stringent monitoring measures, and public awareness campaigns.
The airport has placed significant emphasis on community engagement and awareness, fostering a collaborative approach to Wildlife Hazard Management (WHM). Recent months have seen a series of educational initiatives launched in local villages, targeting stakeholders and the general public. Public awareness campaigns have been organised at local marketplaces, village panchayats, and surrounding communities, focusing on the dangers of improper waste disposal, open slaughtering practices, and the creation of natural water ponds that attract wildlife to the area.
Airport staff have received continuous training to ensure they understand the critical role they play in wildlife hazard management. The airport has implemented various measures to mitigate wildlife incursions on the runway and bird strikes, including waste management, regular maintenance of adjacent canals, and the deployment of bird chasers, firecrackers, and acoustic devices.
A dedicated team conducts regular inspections to identify potential wildlife hazards, and a team is deployed regularly to patrol the airfield using bird management equipment. The airport has also onboarded professional wildlife rescuers to trap and relocate wildlife to safer forest areas. Tree pruning and de-nesting efforts have been conducted in high-risk areas, and the airport has installed solar light insect traps and anti-perching devices at key locations.
The airport’s WHM Team ensures continuous monitoring, particularly during the monsoon and low visibility periods, when bird activity tends to increase. Efforts include modifying local water bodies to discourage bird congregations, installation of bird deterrents, and conducting regular inspections of areas of concern. By integrating both technology and education, the airport continues to foster a safe environment for passengers and aircraft.
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