Halt animal slaughter near Navi Mum airport: DGCA

Navi Mumbai: Amid activists' repeated concerns over bird strike threats to aircraft due to illegal open slaughtering of animals near Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has instructed the airport operator to cease activities attracting birds near the facility. This directive is particularly crucial as the airport prepares to commence operations in a month. The DGCA regulation features prominently in the state govt's resolution establishing the Aerodrome Environment Management Committee (AEMC) for NMIA.NatConnect Foundation director B N Kumar lodged a complaint via the Prime Minister's grievance portal on Feb 24 regarding unauthorised goat and chicken slaughtering at Ulwe, about 3 km from the runway. "This is a flagrant violation of the aircraft norms of DGCA which stipulate that there shall be no slaughter of animals within a 10 km radius of any airport," Kumar stated in his complaint. Cidco, heading the AEMC and administering Ulwe node, has taken limited action. Despite demolishing some shops, they reappeared quickly, according to Santosh Kate, Ulwe city NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) president. Kate has alerted Cidco and Raigad district authorities about unhygienic open meat vending. The practice poses risks during bird flu and GBS virus outbreaks, with officials seemingly overlooking violations. DGCA director Amit Gupta confirmed instructing the Aerodrome Operator to stop activities attracting birds. Kumar expressed disappointment at DGCA's delayed response after two months and reminders. Following limited initial response from Air Safety director A X Joseph, activists and angry residents protested on Apr 13 about continuing illegal operations despite imminent airport functionality. Local resident Karan Chawla reported to the chief minister about the daily illegal slaughter of 15-30 goats in Ulwe sector 19. The matter has been escalated to additional chief secretary (home) Dr I S Chahal and Urban Development-2 Secretary Govind Raj. Activists hope for action following DGCA's intervention and suggest establishing a proper slaughterhouse in Navi Mumbai with strict hygiene standards.Navi Mumbai: Amid activists' repeated concerns over bird strike threats to aircraft due to illegal open slaughtering of animals near Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has instructed the airport operator to cease activities attracting birds near the facility. This directive is particularly crucial as the airport prepares to commence operations in a month. The DGCA regulation features prominently in the state govt's resolution establishing the Aerodrome Environment Management Committee (AEMC) for NMIA.NatConnect Foundation director B N Kumar lodged a complaint via the Prime Minister's grievance portal on Feb 24 regarding unauthorised goat and chicken slaughtering at Ulwe, about 3 km from the runway. "This is a flagrant violation of the aircraft norms of DGCA which stipulate that there shall be no slaughter of animals within a 10 km radius of any airport," Kumar stated in his complaint. Cidco, heading the AEMC and administering Ulwe node, has taken limited action. Despite demolishing some shops, they reappeared quickly, according to Santosh Kate, Ulwe city NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) president. Kate has alerted Cidco and Raigad district authorities about unhygienic open meat vending. The practice poses risks during bird flu and GBS virus outbreaks, with officials seemingly overlooking violations. DGCA director Amit Gupta confirmed instructing the Aerodrome Operator to stop activities attracting birds. Kumar expressed disappointment at DGCA's delayed response after two months and reminders. Following limited initial response from Air Safety director A X Joseph, activists and angry residents protested on Apr 13 about continuing illegal operations despite imminent airport functionality. Local resident Karan Chawla reported to the chief minister about the daily illegal slaughter of 15-30 goats in Ulwe sector 19. The matter has been escalated to additional chief secretary (home) Dr I S Chahal and Urban Development-2 Secretary Govind Raj. Activists hope for action following DGCA's intervention and suggest establishing a proper slaughterhouse in Navi Mumbai with strict hygiene standards.