Navi Mumbai News: DGCA Orders Action Against Illegal Animal Slaughter Near NMIA To Prevent Bird Strikes

Navi Mumbai: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed the Navi Mumbai International Airport operator to take action against all activities that attract bird activity near the airport, including illegal animal slaughtering, in response to growing concerns from environmental activists and local residents.

The move gains significance as the Navi Mumbai International Airport is set to become operational within a month. Activists have flagged the illegal slaughter of goats and chickens at Ulwe—just three kilometers from the runway—as a major violation of DGCA norms, which prohibit animal slaughter within a 10-kilometer radius of any airport to prevent bird strikes.

NatConnect Foundation director B N Kumar had raised the issue with the DGCA through the Prime Minister’s public grievance portal on February 24, pointing to the rampant and unchecked slaughter of animals in open areas. “This is a flagrant violation of aircraft safety norms,” Kumar stated in his complaint.

While the Maharashtra Government had outlined the no-slaughter rule in its Government Resolution (GR) while forming the Aerodrome Environment Management Committee (AEMC), activists say enforcement has been lax. CIDCO, which heads the AEMC and administers the Ulwe node, has only taken symbolic action, such as demolishing a few illegal shops that quickly reappeared, said Kumar.

Santosh Kate, president of Ulwe city NCP (Ajit Pawar), highlighted ongoing hygiene violations and health risks amid fears of bird flu and other viruses. “It is shocking that officials are turning a blind eye to this blatant illegality,” he said, adding that he has written to CIDCO and the Raigad District Collector demanding immediate action.

Responding to the complaint, DGCA Director Amit Gupta confirmed that the aerodrome operator has been advised to take action against all activities that could attract bird activity, particularly animal slaughtering. However, activists expressed disappointment over the delay. “It is astonishing that the DGCA took over two months and two reminders to respond to such a critical issue,” Kumar said.

Local citizen Karan Chawla, who has taken up the matter with the Chief Minister, said that 15 to 30 goats are slaughtered daily in Sector 19, Ulwe, near Plot No. 338, beside RSM Athena CHS. His complaint has been forwarded to senior state officials, including Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Dr. I S Chahal and Urban Development-2 Secretary Govind Raj.

The activists have proposed the establishment of a proper, regulated slaughterhouse in Navi Mumbai to ensure food safety and public hygiene, while reducing risks to aviation. “Leftovers from the slaughter attract birds like eagles and vultures, posing a serious threat to aircraft safety,” said Kumar.

They have also demanded restructuring of the AEMC, recommending that it be led by an independent expert or retired judge rather than CIDCO, which is also the administrator of the area in question.

With the DGCA stepping in, activists are hopeful that stringent action will now follow to safeguard the airport and its operations.