Can’t stop illegal slaughter, BMC tells HC

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has expressed its helplessness in curbing illegal slaughtering in the city saying that they have “public support”.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has expressed its helplessness in curbing illegal slaughtering in the city saying that they have “public support”.

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An affidavit filed by Shrikrishna Jinturkar, a senior veterinary officer with additional charge as deputy superintendent (markets) with the BMC, said: “In spite of our vigilance, these things are occurring again and again mainly because of public support.”

The affidavit was filed in response to a public interest litigation initiated by Ganesh Nakhate, a meat dealer in Kurla, seeking action against illegal meat vendors who run their own slaughterhouses.

Nakhate had lodged a complaint with the BMC about 17 alleged illegal slaughterhouses operating in Kurla. However, despite that, these vendors keep surfacing, the PIL alleged.

The affidavit said the corporation had been taking taking preventive measures against illegal vendors. However, they continue with their activities either by shifting places, changing the person, operator, etc.

“It is common knowledge that in some of the hutments, slums, thickly populated and congested areas, it is practically impossible and difficult to prevent such vendors from carrying out these activities,” it said.

The affidavit said a flying squad was deputed to conduct inspection on all slaughterhouses and appropriate action was taken against those found guilty. “In the past three years, we have taken steps against 11,000 such vendors and took steps in preventing and/or stopping them from carrying out such activities,” the affidavit said. A division bench of justice BH Marlapalle and justice UD Salvi kept the PIL for hearing on March 3.