Maharashtra Govt Withdraws Ban On Livestock Markets Ahead Of Bakri Eid

News18

4 days ago

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The development came after the Maharashtra Goseva Ayog had issued a directive last week regarding the closure of livestock markets from June 3 to June 8.
Ahead of the Bakri Eid on June 7, the Maharashtra government has reversed a contentious order from the state cattle welfare commission to shut down all livestock markets between June 3 and June 8.
The state has also greenlighted a proposal to modernise Mumbai's 54-year-old Deonar abattoir, as confirmed by Muslim community leaders who attended a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday. This meeting, which included government officials, was convened to review preparations for the Muslim festival, which involves the slaughter of goats to honor the spirit of sacrifice.
The development came after the Maharashtra Goseva Ayog, under the state department of animal husbandry, had issued a directive last week to all Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs) to close livestock markets from June 3 to June 8.
During Monday's meeting, Fadnavis informed Muslim MLAs that the directive had been withdrawn, Hindustan Times reported. According to attendees, Fadnavis assured them that his administration is committed to maintaining law and order during Bakri Eid and that traditional rituals would proceed without obstacles.
The MLAs also called for more abattoirs in Mumbai and streamlined processes for obtaining no-objection certificates (NOC) from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for goat slaughter in housing societies.
Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh confirmed that the state government responded positively to the concerns raised. 'We requested more abattoirs in Mumbai as the Deonar facility alone cannot meet the Eid demand. We also discussed the issue of BMC-issued NOCs for housing society goat slaughter," he said.
Shaikh added that he urged the Chief minister to take strict action against certain organizations that obstruct the transport of non-bovine animals, assault vehicle drivers, and engage in unlawful activities under the guise of cow protection.
Congress MLA Amin Patel stated that the demand to modernise the Deonar abattoir was accepted. 'We were informed that the plan has been approved and the tendering process for the upgrade will commence soon," he said.
The state government has also instructed the BMC to ensure cleanliness and smooth vehicle movement at the abattoir during Bakri Eid week.
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