The BMC, India‘s richest municipal corporation plans to relocate 263 cattle sheds from Mumbai to Dapchari, Palghar, due to space and environmental concerns. The initiative, driven by the 2005 deluge, faces challenges including logistical, financial, and legal issues. The relocation aims to optimise urban space, improve animal welfare, and ensure sustainability in the dairy supply chain.
Background
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), India‘s richest municipal corporation is revisiting its long-standing plan to relocate cattle sheds, known as ‘tabelas’, from Mumbai to Dapchari in the Palghar district. This move aims to address concerns related to urban space constraints and environmental impacts. The plan has gained renewed focus following the severe deluge on July 26, 2005, which caused significant damage and loss of cattle across the city. The Maharashtra government amended the Maharashtra Keeping and Movement of Cattle in Urban Areas (Control) Act, 1976, in response to this disaster, aiming to reduce the presence of cattle in urban areas.
Current Status of Cattle Sheds
Mumbai currently has approximately 263 cattle sheds, with 59 of these being officially licensed. The distribution of these sheds is as follows:
- Goregaon and Malad: 68 sheds
- Santacruz East: 22 sheds
- Andheri East: 27 sheds
- Kandivali East: 24 sheds
- Ghatkopar: 23 sheds
Additional sheds are located in Bhandup, Kurla, Govandi, Chembur, Mulund, Andheri West, Khar, and Bandra. Some are situated on forest department land in Aarey, which may not require relocation due to their permitted status and location.
Challenges and Considerations
The BMC’s plan faces several significant challenges:
- Logistical and Financial Burden: Relocating cattle sheds involves substantial logistical and financial investment. This includes transportation costs, construction of new facilities in Dapchari, and ensuring adequate welfare measures for the cattle during the transition.
- Economic Impact on Dairy Farmers: The relocation could disrupt daily operations for dairy farmers, affecting milk production and potentially leading to financial strain. The transition period may cause milk supply inconsistencies and price fluctuations in Mumbai.
- Legal and Administrative Issues: The process involves navigating legal complexities and addressing objections from cattle shed owners. The BMC will need to manage these aspects carefully to ensure a smooth relocation process.
Implementation Plan
The BMC’s action plan includes the following steps:
- Approval Process: The draft notice for relocation is pending approval from Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani. Once approved, the BMC will issue formal notices to cattle shed owners.
- Development of New Facilities: The BMC will oversee the development of new cattle sheds in Dapchari, ensuring they meet all necessary operational and welfare standards for the cattle.
- Support for Affected Dairy Owners: To mitigate the impact on dairy operations, the BMC plans to provide support and assistance to dairy owners during the relocation process. This includes facilitating the transition and addressing any operational challenges that arise.
Long-Term Impact
The relocation of cattle sheds is expected to have several long-term effects:
- Urban Space Optimization: By moving cattle sheds out of the city, Mumbai aims to free up valuable urban space for other uses and reduce the environmental footprint associated with livestock farming in urban areas.
- Improved Animal Welfare: New facilities in Dapchari are expected to provide better conditions for the cattle, aligning with modern animal welfare standards.
- Sustainability of Dairy Supply: Ensuring a smooth transition is crucial to maintaining a stable milk supply and minimising disruptions in the dairy market.
The BMC’s initiative to relocate cattle sheds is a complex but necessary step to address urban space constraints and environmental concerns in Mumbai. While the plan aims to improve urban living conditions and animal welfare, it presents challenges for dairy farmers and the local dairy supply chain. Effective implementation and support for affected stakeholders will be key to achieving the objectives of this relocation plan.