DGCA Reviews NatConnect Foundation’s Complaint On Illegal Slaughter Near Navi Mumbai Airport Over Bird Strike Risk

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken cognizance of a complaint regarding illegal open-air slaughter in Ulwe, which poses a potential bird strike threat to aircraft operating at the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).

The complaint, filed by NatConnect Foundation director B.N. Kumar, highlights the unregulated sale of goat and chicken meat in the vicinity of the airport, violating DGCA regulations. The complaint was submitted to the authorities on February 24 and March 6 and has since been forwarded to the Directorate of Air Safety.

"As per aviation safety norms, the slaughter of animals within a 10 km radius of an airport is strictly prohibited to mitigate the risk of bird strikes. However, the illegal meat trade in Ulwe, located just 3 km from the airport’s runway, is a cause for concern. The matter, raised through the PMO grievance portal, has been referred to A.X. Joseph, Director of Air Safety at DGCA, for further review," Kumar pointed out.

The complaint holds significance as the DGCA has begun assessing overall airport safety issues with relevant authorities, including CIDCO, following the formation of the Aerodrome Environment Management Committee (AEMC) for NMIA. The Maharashtra Government’s Government Resolution (GR) on the formation of AEMC explicitly mandates strict compliance with environmental and aviation safety norms, Kumar added.

Kumar has urged the establishment of a transparent complaint mechanism under AEMC, suggesting that an independent official, such as a retired Supreme Court or High Court judge, head the committee to ensure impartiality and transparency. At present, CIDCO’s Managing Director heads the committee, while the city planner is among the agencies responsible for implementing environmental norms.

Local concerns have also been raised by Ulwe city NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) president Santosh Kate, who has written to CIDCO, the Raigad district collector, and other officials, citing hygiene risks and potential health threats like bird flu and the GBS virus. Additionally, activist Karan Chawla has taken the matter to the Chief Minister’s office, leading to further escalation to senior government officials.

"DGCA will hopefully review the complaint, assess compliance with existing safety regulations, and take necessary action to ensure that aviation safety at NMIA is not compromised," Kumar said.