114 Bird Species Near Vizag Airport Wetland Raise Wildlife Hazard Concerns

December 22, 2025 at 07:30 PM•2 min read

The [DGCA](https://www.dgca.gov.in) must address potential bird strike risks at [Vizag Airport](https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/visakhapatnam) after

Key Points

1Documented 114 bird species across Vizag Airport wetland and Khambala Cheruvu in a single day, logged via eBird India.
2The high concentration of **migratory and resident species** near the runway increases the **Visakhapatnam Airport bird strike** risk.
3DGCA regulations mandate **wildlife hazard control** and habitat management within a 10 km airport radius (Rule 91).
4The findings highlight the **resilience of urban biodiversity** but challenge **aviation safety and conservation** efforts in the region.

Birdwatchers recently documented a significant concentration of Vizag airport wetland species. In a single day, 114 bird species were recorded across two sites in Visakhapatnam. This included 64 species at a wetland near the airport perimeter. Another 50 species were logged at the city’s Khambala Cheruvu bird species lake.

Aviation Safety and Conservation

The high volume of migratory and resident species near the runway presents a clear risk. This concentration increases the threat of a Visakhapatnam Airport bird strike. Such incidents pose a serious danger to aircraft and passengers. They also cause significant financial loss to airlines and operators.

Experts noted the unusual abundance near a busy aviation hub. They stressed the ecological value of these urban wetlands as wildlife refuges. However, the presence of raptors like Shikras and Black Kites raises immediate safety flags.

DGCA Wildlife Hazard Control

The findings place new focus on Airport wildlife management protocols. India’s aviation regulator, the DGCA, mandates strict wildlife hazard control. They require airport operators to implement a habitat management programme. This includes performing risk assessments and recording bird activity data.

DGCA Rule 91 of The Aircraft Rules 1937 is also critical. It prohibits waste dumping or slaughtering within a 10 km radius of the airport. Reports indicate Vizag Airport faces persistent bird strike threats. This is often due to surrounding water bodies and illegal waste disposal.

Challenges for Vizag Airport

Visakhapatnam International Airport is a civil enclave under the Indian Navy (INS Dega). Effective wildlife mitigation requires coordination with local civic bodies. Authorities must address encroachment and pollution around the wetlands.

The observations underscore the resilience of urban biodiversity. They also highlight the urgent need for Aviation safety and conservation balance. Protecting these vital habitats must align with rigorous flight safety standards. This dual challenge is common in rapidly urbanizing areas globally.