Ulwe: Activists have raised serious concerns about air safety at the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) as illegal slaughterhouses have reappeared just 3 km from the runway. Despite earlier action by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) to remove makeshift slaughter shops at Ulwe, the trade has resumed, activists say.

“The violations continue unchecked, showing a lack of accountability from CIDCO and local authorities,” said B N Kumar, Director of the NatConnect Foundation.

The resumption of open slaughter and mutton sale near the airport violates the Director General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) bird-strike prevention norms, which prohibit animal slaughter and garbage dumping within a 10-km radius. The NatConnect Foundation criticised CIDCO for failing to enforce these guidelines, which were crucial for NMIA’s aerodrome license.

The airport, set to open commercially on October 8, faces an increased risk of bird strikes due to improper disposal of animal carcasses. DGCA had mandated strict checks, including monthly inspections and a year-long Wildlife Hazard Assessment Survey.

However, activists, including Ulwe NCP leader Santosh Kate, claim these measures have been ineffective, and repeated complaints to authorities have gone unaddressed.