Birds killed in BIA: PCCF orders inquiry

Birds killed in BIA: PCCF orders inquiry
Sunday June 1 2008 11:27 IST

Express News Service

BANGALORE: The Forest Department has initiated action against Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) officials for shooting birds.

Following a report appeared in these coloumns about killing of birds at BIA, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (wildlife) Indu B Srivatsava on Friday issued directions to the DCF, Bangalore Rural Forest Division to issue a warning letter and verify the procedure adopted by BIAL for frightening and scaring away birds. Most of the birds are listed under Schedule 1 and 4 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Speaking to this website's newspaper, Srivatsava said the DCF had been instructed to inquire into the matter and also check the appointment status of the BIA Wildlife Controller.

"Orders for maintaining cleanliness have also been issued to BIA and civic agency to eliminate the root cause which attracts prey birds like vultures and kites. It is important to take care of wildlife in the vicinity of BIA," he said.

However it has been noticed that with 400 flights operating in a day, the bird population in the vicinity of BIA will gradually reduce, so also will the number of accidents.

Bangalore Urban DFO, Krishna Udapudi said "We will investigate the cases. If we find that birds have been killed then a criminal case under Wildlife Protection Act will also be booked against BIAL officials. Unless caught red handed we cannot take any action," he said.