DGCA Takes Action on Illegal Animal Slaughter Near Navi Mumbai Airport
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has stepped in to address serious concerns regarding illegal animal slaughter and open meat sales occurring dangerously close to the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) runway. Air safety director H N Mishra has responded to representations highlighting these activities, which are feared to significantly increase the risk of bird strikes, posing a grave threat to aviation safety.
Environmentalists Raise Alarm Over Safety Violations
The issue was brought to the forefront by the NatConnect Foundation, which flagged improper waste disposal and slaughter activities in the vicinity of the airport. According to DGCA regulations, animal slaughter is explicitly prohibited within a 10-kilometer radius of airports. These rules are a top priority for the Navi Mumbai Aerodrome Environment Management Committee (AEMC), which oversees carcass disposal, open meat sales, and garbage dumping in the airport's influence zone to prevent bird attraction.
B N Kumar, director of NatConnect, emphasized the critical nature of these preventive norms, stating that environmentalists are "genuinely concerned about air safety." He added, "These are preventive norms that exist for a reason." The absence of an official abattoir in Navi Mumbai makes the ongoing slaughter activity a clear violation of established regulations.
Activist Hospitalized After Hunger Strike
Activist Santosh Kate from Ulwe, who was hospitalized in September after a five-day hunger strike protesting the slaughter, highlighted the multifaceted dangers of the practice. He described it as unhygienic and a public health risk, in addition to the aviation safety concerns. Kate alleged that officials at the district, taluka, and even Cidco levels appeared unconcerned about the issue, despite repeated representations and official assurances.
Environmentalists have accused local enforcement agencies of failing to act, allowing violations to persist on the ground. This inaction comes even as the AEMC has held several meetings to address illegal slaughter and related concerns, as confirmed by DGCA officials.
DGCA Outlines Preventive Measures
In response, the regulator has outlined a series of preventive measures aimed at mitigating the risks. These include:
- Joint inspections conducted by Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL) with local civic bodies.
- Coordinated action through the AEMC to enforce regulations.
- A year-long Wildlife Hazard Assessment Survey to study bird and animal movement near the airport.
DGCA officials further stated that NMIAL conducts monthly inspections in collaboration with the Navi Mumbai and Panvel municipal corporations and Cidco. Inspection reports are shared with concerned authorities for "necessary corrective action."
Activists Demand Strict Enforcement
Despite these measures on paper, activists maintain that violations continue unabated. With airlines such as IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India having commenced passenger services from NMIA, there is an urgent call for strict enforcement of aviation safety and environmental norms. The ongoing illegal activities not only jeopardize flight operations but also undermine public health and environmental integrity in the region.
The situation underscores the need for robust monitoring and swift action by authorities to ensure compliance with safety regulations, protecting both air travelers and local residents from potential hazards.
