25 May,2026 05:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The leaders urged the civic authorities to arrange a proper facility for animal sacrifice (Qurbani) on Bakri Eid. Representational pic
Former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) Kirit Somaiya, Mayor Ritu Tawde, and other senior BJP leaders in Mumbai on Monday wrote a letter to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, urging the civic administration not to permit Bakrid animal sacrifice within housing complexes, cooperative societies, and chawls across the city.
Apart from Somaiya and Tawde, Standing Committee Chairman Prabhakar Shinde, BJP Group Leader Ganesh Khankar, and Market Committee Chairman Hetal Gala have also appealed to the BMC Commissioner, demanding a ban on slaughter in public areas.
The leaders urged the civic authorities to arrange a proper facility for animal sacrifice (Qurbani) on Bakri Eid.
The letter to the BMC Commissioner stated, "There are more than 70 markets and designated slaughtering places/shops in Mumbai where Bakri Eid-related sacrifice can be carried out. However, carrying out Bakri sacrifice in housing societies, chawls, and residential complexes creates practical difficulties for the municipal corporation, particularly in terms of management, sanitation, and cleanliness."
The leaders stated that allowing such activities in densely populated residential areas could raise sanitation and public health concerns, as well as cause inconvenience to other residents. They urged the civic body to issue clear guidelines and take preventive measures well in advance of the festival.
"No animal sacrifice (Qurbani) for Bakri Eid shall be permitted in any residential complex, housing society, or chawl, and clear instructions to this effect should be issued to all concerned officials," noted Somaiya.
"I have also requested the Hon'ble Mayor, Hon'ble Group Leader, and Hon'ble Standing Committee Chairman that the municipal corporation should prohibit such sacrifice activities in residential complexes, housing societies, and chawls in the name of religious observance." Kirit Somaiya added.
Bakrid, also known as Eid al-Adha, is one of the most significant festivals observed by Muslims and involves the ritual sacrifice of animals. In Mumbai, civic authorities usually issue detailed guidelines every year regarding designated slaughter zones, waste disposal, and hygiene protocols during the festival.
The BMC is yet to officially respond to the BJP leaders' representation. However, officials are expected to review the matter as part of the civic body's annual preparations for the upcoming festival.
