ULWE: No illegal Animal Slaughtering in ULWE, Govt Takes Action Ahead of Navi Mumbai Airport Launch

Navi Mumbai: As the much-awaited Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) prepares to open in the coming weeks, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has stepped in to ensure flight safety. The DGCA has directed the airport authorities to stop all activities around the airport that attract birds — especially illegal animal slaughtering. Navi Mumbai International Airport is an international airport being constructed in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai, Raigad district, Maharashtra, India.

The warning comes after local residents and activists raised concerns about increasing bird activity near the airport. Ulwe, a residential area located just 3 kilometres from the runway, has reportedly become a hotspot for illegal slaughtering of goats and chickens. Activists say that food waste and animal remains left in the open have drawn large numbers of birds to the area.

Ulwe is a rapidly developing node in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Situated in the Raigad district, it lies adjacent to Panvel Creek and is strategically located near established areas like Belapur and Nerul. Developed and maintained by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), Ulwe is poised to become a significant residential and commercial hub, especially with the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) situated within its vicinity.

B N Kumar, director of the environmental group NatConnect Foundation, brought the issue to national attention by filing a complaint on February 24 through the Prime Minister’s Public Grievance Portal. In response, DGCA Director Amit Gupta confirmed that the airport operator has been instructed to take all necessary steps to stop such activities, especially animal slaughtering, that could attract birds and endanger aircraft.

What is the issue?

Due to animal slaughtering, a large number of birds are flying in the area. Due to this there are chances of birds colliding with airplanes which might result in big disasters. Bird strikes pose a serious safety risk during takeoff and landing. These incidents can damage engines and, in some cases, even lead to emergency landings. Authorities are working to reduce these risks before NMIA becomes fully operational.

Airport authorities are now expected to coordinate with local municipal bodies and law enforcement to clear the area of waste and prevent future illegal activities. The move is part of broader efforts to ensure that Navi Mumbai’s new airport starts operations smoothly and safely.