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The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has advised against a proposed greenfield international airport in Puri, Odisha.
WII cited a high risk of bird strikes due to the airport's proximity to Chilika Lake, a major habitat for migratory birds.
The assessment highlights significant aviation safety concerns and potential ecological impact on the internationally recognized wetland.
This recommendation underscores the conflict between infrastructure development and environmental conservation in ecologically sensitive zones.
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.
Chilika Lake is India's first Ramsar site, designated as a Wetland of International Importance, making its ecological health a national and international concern.
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.
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.
Bird strikes are a significant aviation hazard, and airport planning must adhere to strict safety regulations, including considering local wildlife populations.
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.
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).
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
High for UPSC (Environment, Geography, Current Affairs), Medium for SSC/Banking/Railway (General Awareness).
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.