HC seeks reply on illegal slaughterhouses

Citing aviation safety risks, PIL says the establishments near IGIA not only violate regulatory norms but also attract large flocks of birds

- SHEKHAR SINGH

The persistent menace of bird strikes at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has once again landed in the courtroom; the Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notices to authorities on a PIL demanding urgent action to mitigate aviation hazards linked to illegal slaughterhouses operating in the vicinity of airports.

The PIL, filed by activist Gauri Maulekhi, highlights the alarming frequency of bird-aircraft collisions, attributing them to unchecked proliferation of meat shops and slaughterhouses near the airport. Citing aviation safety risks, the plea argues that these establishments not only violate regulatory norms but also attract large flocks of birds, significantly increasing the likelihood of collisions.