NAVI MUMBAI: Amid growing concerns from activists over bird strike risks to aircraft caused by illegal open-air animal slaughter near the Navi Mumbai International Airport, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed the airport operator to halt all activities that attract birds near the project site.
This directive is crucial, as the airport is expected to become operational within a month.
B N Kumar, director of NatConnect Foundation, filed a complaint with the DGCA on February 24 via the Prime Minister’s public grievance portal, highlighting the unchecked slaughter of goats and chickens in Ulwe — just three kilometers from the runway.
“This is a clear violation of DGCA norms, which prohibit animal slaughter within a 10 km radius of any airport,” Kumar stated in his complaint.
These regulations are also included in a Government Resolution (GR) issued by the Maharashtra Government when it established the airport’s Aerodrome Environment Management Committee (AEMC). CIDCO, which leads the AEMC and administers the Ulwe node, has so far taken only superficial action, according to Santosh Kate, president of the Ulwe city NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). “While a few shops were demolished, they have quickly resurfaced, operating with even greater defiance,” Kate said. He has written to CIDCO, the Raigad district collector, and other officials, highlighting not only the slaughtering but also the serious public health risks, including bird flu and GBS virus threats.
“Shockingly, authorities continue to turn a blind eye to these blatant violations,” Kate added.
In response to NatConnect’s complaint, DGCA Director Amit Gupta stated, “The aerodrome operator has been advised to take necessary steps to stop all activities, including animal slaughter, that attract bird activity near the airport.”
Kumar, however, expressed disappointment at the delay, noting, “It’s astonishing that the DGCA took over two months to respond — and that too only after two reminders — on such a critical issue.”
Initially, A X Joseph, Director of Air Safety, informed NatConnect that the concerns had been forwarded to the DGCA’s Aerodrome Directorate. With no further updates, the activist sent a protest note on April 13, saying, “It’s disturbing that even after two months of citizens raising concerns, illegal slaughtering and the sale of mutton and chicken continue unabated — and the airport is on the verge of opening.”
A resident, Karan Chawla, who has also raised the issue with the Chief Minister, reported that 15 to 30 goats are slaughtered daily in Sector 19, Ulwe. The complaint has been escalated to Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Dr. I. S. Chahal and Urban Development-2 Secretary Govind Raj.
With the DGCA now intervening, activists are hopeful that concrete action will follow. They have also suggested establishing a regulated slaughterhouse in Navi Mumbai to ensure hygienic, safe practices for non-vegetarian consumers.
