BMC sends milk producers’ plea for rehab in Aarey to dairy commisioner

Mumbai: The BMC has written to the dairy commissioner about the concerns raised by the Mumbai Milk Producers Welfare Association and said that it is within the commissioner's authority to decide whether to accommodate the producers in Aarey Colony.The association had written to the BMC saying that relocating them to Dapachari in Palghar would dent their business. It noted that fewer than 10,000 animals — currently available in Mumbai jurisdiction — can be housed in Aarey. They said that the state had excluded Aarey Colony from restricted areas, further supporting their request for accommodation.The BMC had plans to issue a notice to the 264 cattle sheds in the city to make the city cattle-free. It conducted a survey to ascertain the number of cattle sheds. Most of these cattle sheds are on collector's land while some are also on private land. The action by authorities is in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 10 of the Maharashtra Keeping and Movement of Cattle in Urban Areas (Control) Act, 1976. With effect from the July 1, 2006, the entire area of the city up to Mahim creek and Sion and the entire area of the suburban district, being an urban area, was prohibited for the purposes of the act.Dairy owners who run the buffalo milk business from these sheds fear they will have to shut shop if they are asked to relocate to Palghar, as per the civic plan. In a letter sent to the civic body on Aug 26, the association said that Dapchari, located three hours from the city, would make it difficult to maintain the freshness of their milk, a critical aspect of their business.The BMC in a letter sent to the dairy commissioner said: "Considering the above matter, it is within the authority of your department to consider the request for rehabilitation in the milk colony as per the request of Milk Producers Association in the attached letter. Please take appropriate action or inform the office."