The repercussions of the June 12, 2025, Air India flight crash continue to be felt in the city, with authorities recently cracking down on pigeon racing in Asarwa, years after the action was first considered in 2022.
In an Airport Environment Committee meeting held as far back as October 6, 2022, the most discussed topic was pigeon racing around the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport. A bird-hit is a potentially fatal danger to aircraft. After the Airport Environment Committee eventually passed an order, a ban has been imposed on pigeon racing.
In a joint operation involving the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), police, and airport security, pigeon racing has been halted at various locations in the Asarwa area. Temporary structures built on rooftops for pigeon racing have been removed, and 118 pigeons have been seized.
After the 2022 meeting, a request was made to the AMC to end pigeon-racing competitions. However, the AMC stated that this issue was not within its remit. Finally, it was decided that the AMC and airport operators would conduct joint visits to gather information about pigeon racing around the airport. Pigeon racing is organized in Asarwa, Sardarnagar, Kubernagar, and Meghaninagar near the airport in the eastern part of Ahmedabad city. After the October 2022 meeting, the AMC and police investigated this matter and collected information about pigeon racing.
On June 12, 2025, the Air India flight crashed. Meetings resumed to discuss ways to prevent bird strikes. The Airport Environment Committee issued recommendations to prevent potential bird strikes in the funnel area of aircraft taking off and landing. It was decided to stop the sale of non-vegetarian food in Holi Chakla and the fish market in the Asarwa area. Consequently, the AMC recently identified two locations in the Asarwa ward to ban non-vegetarian sales.
An official associated with the Airport Environment Committee, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “In October 2022, an Environment Committee meeting was held to decide measures to prevent bird strikes. Airport officials provided details of the bird strike risk due to pigeon racing.” Joint visits were conducted to different areas to stop pigeon racing, the official said. “After the Air India plane crash, pigeon racing has been completely banned,” the official added. “Pigeon owners have been informed about this. Additionally, if people are caught engaging in such illegal activities, police action may occur.”
Fastest Birds Get the Prize
Pigeon-flying competitions take place in Behrampura, Jamalpur, Asarwa, Saraspur, Kubernagar, and Sardarnagar. A minimum of seven pigeons can participate, with a maximum number reaching up to 180. Prizes up to 1 lakh rupees are offered. Sometimes prizes like bikes or TVs are also offered. Pigeon racing mostly occurs in winter. Various types of pigeons are flown in these competitions, including Kalsara, Bajra, Kala, Kala Makwa, Katwa, and Madrasi Kabutar.
