New Delhi: The black kites that swarm the skies over Delhi are in for a special treat on Independence Day.
Authorities have planned to lure them closer to the the ground with chicken, so they may not come in the way of aircraft participating in the flypast on August 15.
Four feeding points around the Red Fort area have been set up, officials said on Wednesday, as reported by Deccan Herald.
This is being done to avoid bird hits to the aircraft. The exercise is being carried out in coordination with the Indian Air Force (IAF), which is involved in the arrangements for the aerial component of the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort.
Four locations have been identified around the Independence Day event area and along the aircraft flight path as feeding points, a senior forest department official told PTI.
“The approval for the exercise has been received. The activity has begun and will be carried out at these locations,” the official said.
Under the plan, pieces of meat will be thrown at designated spots to attract black kites and keep them engaged away from the aircraft route during the aerial displays on Independence Day.
“Black kites are naturally attracted to food sources and open areas. If they enter the flight path when aircraft are operating at low altitudes, there is a risk of bird strikes. The exercise is being undertaken to keep them away from the route,” the official said.
The feeding points have been identified based on the movement of birds and their proximity to the flight path, he said.
Black kites are among the bird species commonly seen in large numbers in Delhi and are attracted to food sources. Their presence along aircraft routes can pose a safety risk, particularly when aircraft are flying at low altitudes for greater visibility from the ground, the official said.
The exercise is carried out ahead of the event to influence the movement of the birds and ensure that they remain away from the flight corridor when the aircraft are operating.
During the Republic Day celebrations this year, the Delhi government used around 1,275 kg of boneless chicken for a similar exercise to keep black kites away from the aircraft route.