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The Delhi Forest Department recently made news for an unusual but practical step ahead of the Republic Day celebrations. To ensure safety during the Republic Day fly-past, they arranged for boneless chicken to be dropped or placed at selected locations across the city.
The reason behind this is bird-strike prevention. During Republic Day rehearsals and the main parade, fighter jets and helicopters fly at low altitude over central Delhi. Large birds, especially black kites, pose a serious risk because a collision with an aircraft can damage engines and endanger pilots.
Black kites are strongly attracted to meat. By providing chicken at fixed ground-level spots away from the flight paths, officials aim to keep these birds occupied at lower heights and draw them away from the air corridors used by aircraft. This reduces the chances of birds flying into the path of jets during rehearsals and on 26 January.
The activity is carried out for several days leading up to Republic Day and covers multiple sensitive areas where bird activity is usually high. In earlier years, other kinds of meat were used, but chicken was chosen this time as it is easier for birds to consume and manage.
Although it sounds strange, this is a preventive wildlife-management practice done in coordination with aviation authorities. The goal is not spectacle, but ensuring a safe and smooth Republic Day aerial display for pilots and spectators alike.
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