Wildlife Institute warns against Puri airport due to migratory bird strike risk near Chilika Lake
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The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has advised against a proposed greenfield international airport in Puri, Odisha.
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WII cited a high risk of bird strikes due to the airport's proximity to Chilika Lake, a major habitat for migratory birds.
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The assessment highlights significant aviation safety concerns and potential ecological impact on the internationally recognized wetland.
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This recommendation underscores the conflict between infrastructure development and environmental conservation in ecologically sensitive zones.
- ●Proposed airport location: Puri, Odisha.
- ●Expert body raising concern: Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
- ●Primary reason for concern: High risk of bird strikes.
- ●Ecological hotspot nearby: Chilika Lake, a major migratory bird habitat.
- ●Type of airport: Greenfield International Airport.
Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
An autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India. It conducts wildlife research, training, and management, providing scientific advice on conservation issues.
Ramsar Sites in India
Chilika Lake is India's first Ramsar site, designated as a Wetland of International Importance, making its ecological health a national and international concern.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
The WII's report is a crucial component of the EIA process, which is mandatory for large-scale development projects to assess and mitigate their potential environmental consequences.
Migratory Bird Conservation
The article underscores the need for protecting migratory bird routes and habitats, which are vital for global biodiversity and often face threats from human activities.
Aviation Safety Regulations
Bird strikes are a significant aviation hazard, and airport planning must adhere to strict safety regulations, including considering local wildlife populations.
Bird Strike & Greenfield Airport
A 'Bird Strike' refers to a collision between an airborne animal (most commonly a bird) and a man-made vehicle, particularly an aircraft. These incidents pose a serious threat to aviation safety, potentially causing engine failure or structural damage. A 'Greenfield Airport' is an airport built entirely from scratch on undeveloped land, as opposed to expanding or upgrading an existing facility (a brownfield project). Greenfield projects often entail extensive environmental considerations due to their impact on previously undisturbed ecosystems.
Simple Analogy: Imagine building a new highway through a dense forest (greenfield) versus widening an existing road (brownfield). The environmental challenges and impact assessment for the new highway are far more extensive, similar to how a greenfield airport near a bird habitat presents unique challenges compared to expanding an existing airport.
Students should locate Puri and Chilika Lake on the map of Odisha. Understand the geographical relationship between the proposed airport site, Chilika Lake, and the Bay of Bengal. Note Chilika's status as a brackish water lagoon and its proximity to the coast, which makes it a vital stopover for migratory birds.
Exam Relevance
GS-III: Environment & Ecology (Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment); GS-I: Geography (Important geographical features); Current Affairs.
General Awareness (Geography, Environment, Current Affairs, Static GK on important places/bodies).
General Awareness (Current Affairs, Static GK on important places/bodies).
General Awareness (Geography, Environment, Current Affairs).
General Awareness (Environment, Geography, Current Affairs).
Previously Asked (PYQs)
Consider the following statements: Once the Central Government notifies an area as a 'Community Reserve' 1. the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State becomes the governing authority of such forest 2. hunting is not allowed in such area 3. people of such area are allowed to collect non-timber forest produce 4. people of such area are allowed traditional agricultural practices How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: Only one
With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements: 1. Wild animals are the sole property of the government. 2. When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside. 3. Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: 1 and 2
Consider the following animals: 1. Hedgehog 2. Marmot 3. Pangolin To reduce the chance of being captured by predators, which of the above organisms rolls up/roll up and protects/ protect its/their vulnerable parts?
Answer: 1 and 3
Expected Questions
- ★UPSC may ask: 'Critically analyze the environmental and aviation safety implications of constructing a greenfield airport near a major migratory bird habitat like Chilika Lake, considering the role of expert bodies like WII and the principles of sustainable development.'
- ★SSC/Banking may ask: 'Which lake in Odisha, a prominent Ramsar site, is a significant habitat for migratory birds and was recently in news regarding a proposed airport project?'
- ★UPSC may ask: 'Discuss the key components and challenges of conducting an effective Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for large infrastructure projects, particularly those affecting ecologically sensitive zones.'
Topic Frequency
High for UPSC (Environment, Geography, Current Affairs), Medium for SSC/Banking/Railway (General Awareness).
Key Terms
A collision between an airborne animal (usually a bird) and an aircraft, posing a significant aviation safety risk.
A new airport constructed on undeveloped land, requiring entirely new infrastructure.
A wetland of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention for its ecological significance.
A process to evaluate the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development, taking into account inter-related socio-economic, cultural and human-health impacts.
Must Remember
- •Chilika Lake is India's largest brackish water lagoon and a crucial Ramsar site.
- •The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is a key scientific body for wildlife research and conservation in India.
- •Bird strikes are a serious aviation safety concern that necessitates careful airport planning.
- •The conflict between development and environmental protection is a recurring theme in competitive exams, often tested through case studies like this.
Exam Tips
- •Focus on the interplay between development projects, environmental regulations, and the roles of expert bodies.
- •Familiarize yourself with important wetlands, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries in India, especially those mentioned in current affairs.
- •Understand the concepts of EIA, sustainable development, and various environmental principles.
- •Practice statement-based questions that require analytical thinking rather than mere recall.