Meat allowed at Aero India venue, butchers get no relief

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: In an about-face the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) disclosed that the consumption of meat would be allowed at the Aero India show to be held at the Yelahanka Air Force Station. The event would be conducted from February 13 to 20.

However, the civic body maintained that butcher shops and abattoirs within a 10-kilometre radius of the venue shall remain closed until the event concludes.

The BBMP qualified the permission with the condition that the remains of meat and poultry consumed at the event be disposed of in a systematic manner. They even hinted that the measures were in place to restrict bird activity in the area, so that the aircraft could complete their rounds without hassle.

However, it remains unclear how the presence of meat waste at the venue is acceptable but meat shops in the 10-kilometre radius would attract birds. The issue first cropped up on January 28 when the BBMP ordered the closure of meat shops and event hotels that serve meat from January 30 to February 20.

“It is to the notice of general public and proprietors of meat stalls, non-vegetarian hotels and restaurants for closure of all meat, chicken and fish shops and prohibition of serving and sale of non-vegetarian dishes within 10 km radius of Air Force Station, Yelahanka from January 30 to February 20,” the civic body had said in an official statement.

On Sunday, the BBMP amended its stand to say: “Consumption of non-vegetarian food such as meat, chicken and fish may be permitted. However, stringent disposal measures of waste needs to be ensured, to mitigate bird activity in the vicinity of the airfield area towards safe conduct of Aero India 2023.

Closure of all meat, chicken and fish selling shops and slaughterhouses within a 10-kilometre radius of Air Force Station Yelahanka up to 20 Feb 2023 is to be ensured,” the statement added.