Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Sept 20: Meat shops continue to operate near the airport in defiance of the ban on illegal meat shops operating in the area.
“More than 50 such shops have been found operating in various areas surrounding the airport such as Baramunda, City Women’s College, Siripur, Delta Square and Sum Hospital, which needed to be removed,” said a member of the Swachh Bhubaneswar Abhiyan (SBA) cell of the municipal corporation, which looks into sanitation issues across the city.
“On weekends, meat markets are abuzz with activity in these areas and do good business because of the huge demand from the public,” he said.
The authorities have failed to enforce the ban as vendors shifted their shops to nearby areas or operated during evening to avoid a crackdown on shops, said a member of the environment committee of the civic body.
Earlier, Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) director Sharad Kumar had urged the state government to remove all such shops that are operating near the airport.
“Increasing bird hits will adversely affect the prospects of BPIA. International aviation agencies follow strict norms for ensuring the safety of passengers and flights and may downgrade or cancel the licence of the airport,” said Kumar.
This year 12 bird hits have been reported so far, one last month, said BPIA officials.
“On an average 4-5 bird hits are being reported from the airport during the last three years,” said air traffic control manager SK Sahoo.
Last week, municipal authorities had started a crackdown on meat shops and removed about 110 of them following a demand by the airport authorities of immediate action.
Deputy commissioner Dipti Rani Sahoo said stern action would be taken against shop owners who are violating the law.
