Illegal cow sheds crop up on MIDC land at Airoli

Many people who have settled in Yadav Nagar area of Digha have not just encroached on MIDC land but also built illegal tabelas. There are around 20 illegal tabelas in the area which house around 800 animals. There are reportedly a total of 28 tabelas in Airoli MIDC area.

Not only is the illegal encroachment an issue, lack of hygiene in the area is also a major health concern for the residents.

The situation in Yadav Nagar came to the fore during the recent bye-elections. Even as the political parties battled for supremacy, the illegal activities in the area were disclosed in the campaigning.

A social worker said, “Even as action is taken against the need-based constructions of the project-affected people, who are the sons of the soil, those from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other regions have come here and taken over almost 50 acre land where their colony has come up.”

He added, “The land given by the PAP to MIDC for industries has been usurped by outsiders. They haven’t stopped at constructing slums but also started businesses right here. In Yadav Nagar alone there are at least 20 tabelas.”

The rules and regulations under Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act 1976 with respect to rearing cattle and their movements are simply ignored. It is mandatory to take permission of district dairy development officer to start a cow shed and start a business in urban areas of the state.

The permission clearly states and takes into account, the cattle population in the area, the suitability of the area for rearing cattle, adequate water supply in the tabela for washing and cleaning of the animals and for their drinking and over all hygiene.

None of the requisites seem to be followed in Yadav Nagar.

A resident said, “The health of over 10,000 residents is at risk due to the cow sheds. There is little care for the health of the animals either.”

He said borewells have been dug up, water from which is used for the tabelas. “Many have no licence for milk selling business either. There are no permissions from FDA or NMMC either.”

A social worker said, “All tabelas in Yadav Nagar are illegal. Criminal cases can be filed against those violating the law. There is punishment up to three years under the law.”

The officials were not available for comment.