DGCA Orders Halt on Bird Hazard Activities Near Ulwe Airport
As the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) project moves closer to reality, authorities are tightening safety protocols in the surrounding areas. In a significant move, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed the NMIA operator to halt bird-attracting activities in and around Ulwe, most notably slaughterhouses and waste disposal practices that increase the risk of bird strikes near the airport.
Why the Crackdown?
Bird strikes are a well-documented aviation hazard. When birds collide with aircraft, especially during takeoff and landing, the results can be catastrophic — damaging engines, delaying flights, and endangering lives. Airports worldwide maintain strict buffer zones to avoid such occurrences, and India is no exception.
With Ulwe located in close proximity to the upcoming NMIA runway, the DGCA’s action stems from increasing concerns over open garbage dumping, slaughterhouse waste, and other organic waste practices that tend to attract large scavenging birds such as kites, vultures, and crows.
According to the DGCA order, these activities pose a direct threat to air safety, and the NMIA operator has been instructed to ensure immediate cessation of operations that draw birds into the critical airspace.
The Impact on Ulwe
While the directive is rooted in safety, its impact on the Ulwe community is profound. Several slaughterhouses operating legally or informally in the area are facing shutdowns without a clear roadmap for transition. For many workers and small-time operators, this isn’t just a regulatory issue — it’s about livelihoods suddenly being cut off.
Residents and local stakeholders argue that the government failed to provide adequate notice or alternatives. “We understand the need for air safety, but what about our survival?” asked one worker affected by the slaughterhouse closures. The sentiment is echoed across several sectors in Ulwe that may now face increased scrutiny due to their proximity to the airport’s flight path.
Balancing Urban Growth and Safety
Ulwe has seen explosive growth over the past decade. With real estate prices soaring and infrastructure projects mushrooming, it has become a favorite among developers and investors. But this growth has often been poorly integrated with urban planning principles, leading to friction between old industries and new projects.
The DGCA’s move, while technically sound, underscores the larger tension between rapid development and regulatory enforcement. For years, authorities permitted various businesses to operate in Ulwe without restriction. Now, as NMIA nears completion, these very activities are being flagged as dangerous.
This points to a lack of coordinated planning between aviation regulators, municipal bodies, and environmental authorities. A phased, consultative approach could have prevented the sudden shock to the local economy.
What’s Next?
The NMIA is expected to be one of India’s busiest and most advanced airports, and protecting its operations is a national priority. However, the DGCA order must be followed by rehabilitation measures for those affected. Whether through relocation, compensation, or skill transition programs, the state must ensure that communities in Ulwe are not abandoned in the name of progress.
In parallel, authorities must address other bird-attracting factors too — such as open garbage dumping, poorly maintained sewage systems, and informal meat markets — to create a sustainable solution rather than just a temporary fix.
Final Thoughts
The DGCA’s crackdown in Ulwe is a wake-up call about the risks of unchecked urbanization near critical infrastructure zones. While safety must come first, the livelihoods and dignity of local residents cannot be collateral damage. This situation highlights the need for inclusive planning, where regulatory action is balanced by socio-economic support.
If Navi Mumbai International Airport is to become a symbol of modern India, the neighborhoods that surround it — like Ulwe — must be part of that story, not sacrificed for it.