A Lesson Learnt the Hard Way
To understand the herculean effort being poured into the upcoming BWF World Championships in New Delhi, one only needs to look back to the India Open held at the same venue just months prior. The January event was, to put it mildly, a public relations
challenge. International matches were infamously paused due to pigeon droppings landing on the court. Rhesus macaques were spotted wandering the premises, stray animals were a concern, and several top players complained about hygiene and air quality. The incidents were a source of significant embarrassment for organizers. Now, with the world's badminton elite returning from August 17, authorities are determined to prove they can host a world-class, interruption-free event, leaving absolutely nothing to chance.
The Primate Patrol Solution
The most headline-grabbing measure is undoubtedly the strategy to handle Delhi's notorious monkey population. Instead of brute force, officials have opted for a blend of tradition and psychology by hiring 'monkey whisperers' or 'langur-wallahs'. These are men skilled in mimicking the loud, aggressive calls of a langur, the natural enemy of the smaller macaques that cause the trouble. A team of these specialists will be deployed around the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, using strategically timed vocalizations to scare the monkeys away from the venue and ensure they don't disrupt players or spectators. This humane approach became the standard after courts prohibited the use of captive langurs for this purpose. The same technique was successfully used to secure high-profile areas during the G20 Summit, proving its effectiveness on a global stage.
Operation No-Fly Zone for Pigeons
After the on-court interruptions at the India Open, pigeon-proofing the stadium became a top priority. The solution is a multi-layered defence system. Firstly, heavy-duty bird netting has been installed beneath the vast roof, and all vents have been sealed to block entry points. Taking a cue from the Indian Railways, organizers have applied a special non-toxic, slippery gel to surfaces where birds might perch. To add another layer of deterrence, specialized machines imported from the United States have been installed to emit sounds that mimic predatory birds, creating an auditory no-fly zone. The goal is to ensure the only things flying inside the stadium are shuttlecocks.
The ₹20 Crore Facelift
The extensive animal-proofing is just one part of a massive ₹20 crore renovation of the entire venue. This significant investment aims to transform the stadium into a truly international-standard facility. The funds have been used for a complete overhaul, including installing new automatic double-door systems to secure the entrances, refurbishing all spectator seating, and renovating the toilets. The lighting system has been upgraded to meet BWF's stringent broadcasting standards, ensuring a flawless viewing experience for millions watching worldwide. This facelift is not just about fixing past problems but about presenting a modern, capable, and efficient image of India to the global sports community.
