Navi Mumbai: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) air safety director H N Mishra, addressed representations alleging illegal animal slaughter and open meat sale within a 3 km radius of the runway at the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). Concerns were raised that such activities could increase bird strike risks.According to the latest update, the matter was with Mishra after NatConnect Foundation highlighted improper waste disposal and slaughter activities near the runway. DGCA regulations explicitly prohibited animal slaughter within a 10 km radius of airports. These rules formed the top priority of the Navi Mumbai Aerodrome Environment Management Committee (AEMC), which oversaw carcass disposal, open meat sale, and garbage dumping in the airport’s influence zone to prevent bird attraction.
NatConnect director B N Kumar said environmentalists were “genuinely concerned about air safety. He added, “These are preventive norms that exist for a reason”. Navi Mumbai did not have an official abattoir, making the slaughter activity a clear violation, said activist Santosh Kate from Ulwe. Kate, who was hospitalised in Sept after a five-day hunger strike against the slaughter, said the practice was unhygienic and posed public health risks in addition to aviation safety concerns. He alleged that district, taluka, and even Cidco-level officials appeared unconcerned. Environmentalists alleged that local enforcement agencies had failed to act despite repeated representations and official assurances. DGCA officials said the AEMC had met several times to address illegal slaughter and related concerns. The regulator outlined preventive measures, including joint inspections by Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL) with local civic bodies, coordinated action through the AEMC, and a year-long Wildlife Hazard Assessment Survey to study bird and animal movement near the airport. DGCA officials further stated that NMIAL conducted monthly inspections with the Navi Mumbai and Panvel municipal corporations and Cidco, and shared inspection reports with concerned authorities for “necessary corrective action.”Activists maintained that despite these measures on paper, violations continued on the ground. With IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India commenced passenger services from NMIA, activists urged strict enforcement of aviation safety and environmental norms.
