Images of long queues of trucks carrying thousands of animals outside Deonar's municipal abattoir and dead goats have spurred allegations of management at the city's largest animal market before Eid al-adha or Bakri Eid next week. Residents estimated that more than a hundred animals died in the last few days because of suffocating conditions inside the waiting trucks and holding pens.The abattoir management said that the problems are not unusual and have been resolved. Eid al-adha, the festival of sacrifice, will be celebrated between June 6 and 7. The sale of animals at the market began on May 29.
In the last few days, more than a thousand trucks carrying more than three lakh goats, sheep, and other animals have arrived at the abattoir. This led to long queues of vehicles stretching up to a kilometre. Trucks loading with animals had to wait for days before being unloaded, dealers have alleged.
Residents said nearly 150 goats died because of the stifling conditions inside the parked trucks. Haji Muhammad Siraj, former corporator from Govandi, said there were two reasons for the congestion. "Earlier, the abattoir allocated an entire month for the trading. This year, they provided only ten days. More than 1200 trucks arrived in a few days. Animals stayed in the trucks for two days and could not be fed. Also, the abattoir provided only one gate for the entry and exit of vehicles," said Siraj.
Dr Kalimpasha Pathan, the abattoir's general manager, denied that so many animals died. He said the number of deaths was six. "It is not unusual. The deaths are a cardinal sign of an animal market. We unloaded the animals at a record speed—one truck in five minutes. We ensure that the animals are treated without cruelty. Everything is quiet now," said Pathan, who added that messages on social media about the chaos were unverified.
The animals are brought across the country, but mostly from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Traders alleged corruption by contractors hired by the municipal corporation. Siraj suggested that the market administration permit trucks to enter the premises at least 20 days before the festival, considering that the animals coming from dry regions need time to adapt to Mumbai's humidity. More entry gates, faster unloading, and reduced losses as weak animals fetch lower prices.
