PIL Seeks Closure of Meat Shops Near IGI Airport to Prevent Bird Strikes

A PIL has been filed before the Delhi High Court raising concerns over repeated bird-aircraft strikes at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.

The plea, filed by wildlife activist Gauri Maulekhi, seeking closure of abattoirs within 10 kilometers of IGI posing a threat to the lives and safety of birds and passengers.

A bench issued a notice to the Central government, the Delhi government, and the Airports Authority of India, seeking their response.

The petition revealed that from 2018-2023, IGI Airport recorded 705 bird strikes, exceeding the combined incidents at 29 airports in six states, emphasizing the severity of the issue.