Meat shops may pose risk to aircrafts

• Meat pieces attract more birds in the area

• Complaint lodged with Environment Dept. to remove obstacles in flying aircrafts  

• No action taken on ban on meat shops on the demand by environment activists

Navi Mumbai –  Meat is sold in the open, in the area of the new airport which will soon be operative. Birds are attracted more to the fallen pieces of meat. These birds can pose a high risk of striking the planes; therefore, environmentalists have demanded to close down the meat shops in the area. ‘NatConnect Foundation’ has stated in its complaint lodged with the Environment Department to take action against all the factors which can hinder plane flights. Similar complaints have been lodged even with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in this context.

1. On the earlier complaint of NatConnect, DGCA director Amit Gupta had advised ‘Aerodrome Operator’ to take action against animal slaughtering which can attract birds; but nothing has been done. A complaint was also filed with the Chief Vigilance Officer of CIDCO who too didn’t take any action, as claimed by the environment activists.

2. It has been stated in the order issued by Maharashtra Government appointing ‘Aerodrome Environment Maintenance Committee’ under the chairmanship of CIDCO that there is a ban on animal slaughtering within the ten km radius of the airport; however, slaughtering and sale of chicken, goats, etc. is taking place in the open in Ulwe area. The administration has not yet taken any action against these activities. The Ulwe area is under the control of CIDCO; still, CIDCO remains indifferent to the issue.

3. Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) managed by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) has issued related instructions on the operation of Navi Mumbai International Airport; but there is no mention about illegal animal slaughtering in Ulwe and nearby areas.

Editorial Perspective

Action needs to be taken against the concerned people for not paying heed to various complaints and demands received by them. Who is going to be responsible if a plane crash like Ahmedabad happened ?