Kirit Somaiya writes to BMC to stop Bakrid sacrifices in open areas

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Kirit Somaiya has written a letter to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), demanding strict measures to prevent the sacrifice of goats in open and residential areas during the festival of Bakrid. According to a report by ABP News, Somaiya has requested that the BMC issue clear guidelines in this regard and take stern action against those who violate these rules.

In his letter, Kirit Somaiya emphasised that it is extremely necessary to prevent sacrifices in residential areas and open grounds on the eve of Bakrid. He argued that sacrifices during Bakrid lead to environmental pollution, increase filth, and involve cruelty towards animals. He stated that the BMC should work proactively to prevent all these issues.

Raising this point, Kirit Somaiya drew a comparison with well-known Bollywood artists. In the letter, he included the names of prominent artists such as Dia Mirza, Naseeruddin Shah, Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Shabana Azmi. Somaiya mentioned these artists because these celebrities frequently express their concerns regarding air pollution caused by bursting crackers during Diwali.

The BJP leader further stated that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation issues strict rules and guidelines every year regarding the bursting of crackers to reduce pollution during the Diwali festival. He argued that since such strictness is maintained regarding cracker pollution, similar stringent action should be taken regarding the filth and pollution caused during Bakrid. Somaiya expressed hope that the BMC would appeal to the general public on this issue and take the necessary steps.

Following Kirit Somaiya's letter and demand, political discussions regarding Bakrid and the environment are likely to intensify in Mumbai. He demanded that just as efforts are made to control pollution during Diwali, the administrative machinery should adopt a strict stance to prevent the filth caused by Bakrid sacrifices.

According to the ABP News report, no official response has been received from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) so far after Kirit Somaiya sent this demand and letter. However, his demand to stop sacrifices in residential areas has drawn the attention of the city's administrative machinery.

In the entire controversy, Somaiya clarified that his intention is to protect the environment and maintain the cleanliness of the city. He requested the BMC to take this matter seriously and ensure strict compliance with the rules for sacrifice so that ordinary citizens do not have to face filth and pollution.

By involving the names of Bollywood artists in this sequence of events, the issue is now taking on a social and political hue rather than remaining merely administrative. Somaiya questioned why equal rules are not applied to all types of pollution if pollution is indeed a problem. He urged the BMC to remove the inconvenience and filth caused by sacrifices taking place specifically in residential areas.