Mumbai’s Deonar Abattoir Faces Potential One-Day Closure for Religious Festival

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is considering a one-day closure of the Deonar Abattoir on September 4th in observance of Paryushan Parva, a Jain religious festival. The decision comes after a Bombay High Court directive urging civic bodies in Maharashtra to consider temporary bans on animal slaughter during the festival. While the BMC is open to the closure, it faces pressure from the city’s diverse population, with many depending on the abattoir for their livelihood. The BMC’s internal letter highlights the complexity of the issue, recognizing the need to respect Jain sentiments while considering the economic impact on those involved in the meat industry. The decision is expected to be made soon, balancing the needs of various communities.