However, with birds still being attracted by illegal garbage dumping yards in the area around RazackPalya, the threat to the ‘iron birds’ is still to be taken care of.
The residents of the area, largely former defence personnel, adjacent to the airbase, feel that the despite complaining many times, the civic agency have ignored the issue.
“The BBMP might have issued orders to close down meat shops for a week’s time during the aero India show but the problem is illegal dumping of waste during night time is a real threat,” said retired col Vijay Kumar.
Not just the residents, even Air Force officials have raised concern over the waste piling near RazackPalya.
“The area around RazackPalya is full of filth, and is the main reason why birds are attracted to the area. It is said that the land where meat waste and other waste is dumped is under litigation, and that has allowed anybody to throw waste there,” said another resident.
RazackPalaya on Bagalur Road near International Airport has been in the news for breeding African cat fish. The feed for the fish is waste flesh and skin, which is usually procured from chicken vendors in the city and dumped next to the breeding tanks.
It was a major environmental hazard, and it was banned after judicial intervention. The dumping of waste however continues, said Vijay Kumar.
Kumar said that trucks come at night and dump the waste, consisting mostly of chicken feathers and waste body parts.
“The owner of the land set fire to the feathers and they are smoldering ever since. We have spoken to the owner, and he is not to blame but is a victim of some village politics. The land may also be under litigation as it is not cultivated. There is a bone factory also on the same land, and emits a similar stench of burning flesh and hair,” he said.
Another resident of the area said that it was the duty of every Bengalurean to ensure that Aero India show is conducted smoothly.
“But because of some people, there is a looming threat,” he said.
The police on the other hand said that they have impounded some vehicles but had to realease them after intervention by political workers.
Sarfaraz Khan, joint commissioner (health), said: “I am aware of the residents’ complaints; despite RazackPalya (under panchayat limits) not falling under the BBMP limits, we have taken initiation in shutting down all meat shops for a week’s time. Yelahanka zonal officers have been asked to patrol the area and take action against those that are found to be open. In fact, one of the sellers had tried to influence me to get his shop to remain open but we said a strict no.”
