With the approaching Bakrid festival, concerns over the environmental consequences of animal sacrifice have prompted experts to call upon the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to take proactive measures.
In a formal request submitted to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, as well as the BBMP and Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), Inayuthullah, Director of UVCE Water Corporation, has highlighted the necessity of establishing temporary slaughterhouses. These facilities would play a crucial role in managing the significant waste, water, and air pollution generated during the festival.
It is estimated that Bengaluru witnesses the sacrifice of approximately 3 lakh animals during Bakrid, resulting in the production of around 400 tonnes of waste. Inayuthullah has stressed the urgent need for dedicated slaughterhouses equipped with effective waste management systems to ensure the well-being of both animals and the environment. He advocates for a holistic approach encompassing production, processing, and packaging to streamline operations and minimize environmental impact.
Moreover, considering Bengaluru’s water scarcity challenges, Inayuthullah has highlighted the importance of prudent water usage during religious festivities. Many areas within the city lack proper sewage treatment connections, leading to the contamination of water bodies with waste runoff during Bakrid. To address this issue, he suggests raising awareness through Friday prayers in mosques and integrating filters into Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) to manage animal waste more effectively.
Responding to these concerns, BBMP has acknowledged the necessity of collaborative strategies involving ward engineers and health officials to address the environmental implications of Bakrid.
