A unique initiative has been announced by Delhi authorities during the Republic Day Parade to keep the black kites away from the planes through the integration of comprehensive safety measures during this festival. To divert the black kites from their flight paths under the parade, 1270 kg of boneless chicken will be used to feed the black kites at designated feeding zones.
This also includes an impressive flypast by the Indian Air Force in the parade which showcases the aerial maneuvers of sophisticated aircraft every year. However, birds including black kites, which frequent the skies in large urban areas, can represent a threat if caught by bird strikes, therefore putting both aircraft and pilots at risk. To mitigate this risk, the Delhi government, in cooperation with wildlife specialists, recently designated separate areas away from the parade route to feed boneless chicken to birds. Boneless chicken is selected for this purpose because it is easy to distribute and is eaten by the birds, bringing them toward such safe zones.
While this approach focuses on flypast safety, it also demonstrates an innovative approach to wildlife management in cities at major public events. The officers hope that by putting food far from the corridors of the planes, black kites will be less inclined to fly dangerously close to them, thereby reducing the possibility of bird strikes.
The feeding program will start a few days before the parade and will last for the duration. The feeds will be supervised by trained personnel and volunteers so birds are safely drawn to the chosen areas. The action would provide a useful reference, for example on how to conduct wildlife interactions during major public events in cities, and it will surely contribute most to improving safety protocols for Republic Day celebrations.
