Delhi HC Seeks Action on Abattoirs Near IGI Airport
The Delhi High Court has directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and several other authorities to respond to a plea that calls for the closure of abattoirs near the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). The petition argues that these establishments pose a significant risk to aviation safety, particularly in terms of bird strikes that could endanger passenger lives.
The bench, comprising the Chief Justice and a fellow justice, issued notices to the DGCA, the Airport Authority of India (AAI), the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the Delhi government, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and Delhi Police. These bodies have been asked to provide their stand on the measures already in place or those being proposed to address the concerns raised in the petition. The court scheduled the next hearing for May 14. The petition filed by an animal rights activist highlights the frequent occurrence of bird strikes at the IGI Airport, with statistics showing over 700 bird hits from 2018 to 2023. This figure surpasses the total number of bird strikes reported at 29 airports across six states during the same period. The petition argues that the abattoirs, meat shops, and dairy farms situated in the vicinity of the airport attract large numbers of birds, increasing the likelihood of such incidents. According to the petitioner, these establishments violate aviation regulations, which prohibit activities like the slaughter of animals and disposal of related waste within a 10-kilometer radius of an airport’s aerodrome reference point (ARP). The petitioner further contends that these establishments are responsible for an alarming rise in bird-aircraft strike hazards (BASH), which have led to serious accidents in the past. The plea stresses the importance of adopting a “Bird Avoidance Model” (BAM) at IGI Airport to minimize the risks of bird strikes. It argues that despite authorities acknowledging the problem, no effective steps have been taken to curb the dangers posed by the abattoirs.
The petitioner also calls for immediate measures to shut down the illegal slaughterhouses and meat shops operating near the airport, particularly within the restricted 10-kilometer radius. The PIL claims that these establishments are in violation of multiple statutes, including those outlined in the Indian Aircraft Rules and the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024. The court has directed the relevant authorities to submit detailed affidavits within six weeks, which must outline the steps taken to address the issues raised by the petition. These should include responses to the specific claims made by the petitioner, such as the identification and closure of illegal slaughterhouses and meat shops. The authorities have also been asked to detail any initiatives aimed at reducing the risks posed by bird strikes. Experts in aviation safety argue that bird strikes are a known risk factor in flight operations worldwide. Such incidents can lead to severe damage to aircraft and, in extreme cases, cause accidents that threaten the lives of passengers and crew members. The proximity of abattoirs to airports is a known hazard, as these establishments attract scavenger birds, which are often the culprits in bird strike incidents. In its response, the DGCA and other authorities will likely highlight the measures already in place to mitigate bird strikes, such as bird control programs, habitat management, and wildlife monitoring systems. However, the authorities may also be pressed to review and strengthen these measures in light of the growing concerns over the impact of nearby abattoirs on aviation safety.
The issue of bird strikes and the presence of abattoirs near IGI Airport is part of a broader conversation about urban development and safety regulations around critical infrastructure. As Indian cities grow and airports expand, the balance between industrial activity and public safety becomes increasingly challenging to maintain. Environmental concerns, such as the health of urban ecosystems, must be weighed alongside the need for robust safety measures in industries like aviation. As the case continues, the Delhi High Court’s intervention is likely to push the relevant authorities to take swift and decisive action. With aviation safety at the forefront, it is crucial that regulatory bodies not only address the immediate concerns about bird strikes but also explore long-term solutions to prevent such hazards from compromising passenger safety.
The growing focus on environmental and safety regulations surrounding major infrastructure projects has made it clear that urban development must proceed with a careful eye on public welfare. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for how future urban planning decisions are made around airports and other sensitive areas.
