Special teams would be deployed to prevent illegal sacrifices; authorities urge the public to celebrate a clean and green Eid-Al-Azha
NEW DELHI — The Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) has announced strict measures to prevent animal sacrifice in public places during Eid-Al-Azha festivities starting on Sunday, 7 June. The authorities have opened the Ghazipur Slaughter House for the general public and issued clear instructions that sacrifice in open space will not be allowed in the national capital.
Eid-Al-Azha, also known as Bakrid, commemorates the spirit of sacrifice and devotion. On this day, Muslims across the world sacrifice animals to remember Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah and distribute the meat among the poor, friends, and family.
To ensure the festival is celebrated peacefully and hygienically, the MCD has formed a special task force. This team will be responsible for monitoring illegal animal sacrifices in open spaces. Officials confirmed that those violating the rules will face fines.
“The Municipal Corporation has made all necessary arrangements to support a clean and smooth celebration of Eid-Al-Azha. Ghazipur Slaughter House will remain open for the public, and we urge people to use this facility instead of sacrificing animals in the open,” an MCD spokesperson said.
Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi has called on citizens to celebrate a ‘Green Eid’ and avoid creating a mess in public spaces.
“We request everyone to follow the rules and show responsibility. Sacrificing animals in public places is not allowed. Let us celebrate this religious occasion with cleanliness and care for our shared environment,” the mayor said in a public message.
The mayor also mentioned that these steps are taken not to restrict religious freedom but to maintain hygiene and public health.
The Municipal Corporation has made it clear that penalties will be imposed on individuals or groups who carry out animal sacrifices in public places such as parks, roads, footpaths, or near drains.
“We have formed monitoring teams in all zones. If anyone is found sacrificing animals in the open, strict action will be taken, and fines will be imposed,” said an MCD official.
In previous years, open sacrifices led to complaints from residents about foul smells, blocked drains, and unsanitary conditions.
“This time, we are taking a preventive approach. Our team will be active across the city to ensure the rules are followed,” the official added.
The Ghazipur Slaughter House, the only government-approved slaughter house in Delhi, will be fully functional during Eid-Al-Azha. People can go there for sacrifice under hygienic and supervised conditions.
Mohammad Shahid, General Manager of the Ghazipur Slaughter House, confirmed that preparations have been completed to handle the large number of sacrifices expected during the festival.
“Arrangements have been made according to the guidelines. Our team is ready to help people who face any difficulty. We will ensure that no illegal slaughter takes place and that all activities are carried out under proper supervision,” said Shahid.
He added, “We understand the importance of this festival for the Muslim community, and we are committed to providing them with the necessary facilities.”
Ahead of the festival, a media team visited the Ghazipur Slaughter House to assess the arrangements. Reporters found that the facility had set up special counters for people to register and wait for their turn. Cleanliness staff were also seen at work, preparing for the expected rush.
“Our goal is to provide a safe and respectful environment for sacrifice,” said an employee at the slaughterhouse.
Several Muslim residents who plan to visit the slaughterhouse welcomed the move.
“This is a good step. It keeps our city clean and avoids any trouble with the neighbours,” said Imran Qureshi, a resident of Seelampur in northeast Delhi. “It also shows that we care about the society we live in.”
Apart from cleanliness and health-related arrangements, Delhi Police have been asked to stay on alert. Given that Eid-Al-Azha is a sensitive occasion, the administration is working to prevent any incidents that could disturb communal harmony.
“We are working with local leaders, peace committees, and mosque committees to ensure that the festival passes off peacefully,” a police officer said.
Community leaders have also stepped in to spread awareness.
“We are asking people to follow the law and not sacrifice animals in open spaces. Religion never supports creating trouble for others,” said Maulana Rashid, a local imam from Old Delhi.
Eid-Al-Azha is not only about the sacrifice of animals, but it also teaches the values of devotion, charity, and humanity.
“Sacrifice is a part of our faith, but the bigger message is to help those in need,” said Shabnam Khan, a teacher at a local madrasa.
The meat of the sacrificed animal is traditionally divided into three parts: one for the family, one for friends and relatives, and one for the poor and needy.
“This sharing brings the community together and reminds us of our duties towards others,” added Khan.
While Delhi is preparing with full force, neighbouring Uttar Pradesh has also issued similar guidelines to prevent public sacrifice and maintain law and order. Extra security and sanitation staff have been deployed in major cities, including Lucknow, Kanpur, and Varanasi.
Officials said these measures are meant to protect communal harmony and ensure a smooth celebration.
A senior UP official said, “Religious freedom is important, but it should not harm public interest. That’s why we are appealing to people to follow the rules during Eid-Al-Azha.”
While many Muslims welcomed the administration’s step, some expressed concern about long queues and lack of capacity at the slaughterhouse.
“It’s a good move, but the government must ensure that the slaughterhouse can manage the rush. Otherwise, people may feel helpless and turn to the old way,” said Firoz Alam, a shopkeeper from Jamia Nagar.
Others agreed with the idea but requested the authorities to open more such centres in different parts of the city.
“There should be more options. Not everyone can reach Ghazipur. If the administration really wants to stop open sacrifices, it must make the process easy for people,” said Sabina Parveen, a homemaker.
In response to such concerns, MCD officials have said they are ready to increase manpower and add temporary facilities if required.
“We will monitor the situation on Eid day. If more arrangements are required, we will act immediately. We aim to support people, not trouble them,” a senior official said.
The Delhi government has also issued a helpline number and asked people to report any issues they face during the festival.
As Delhi prepares to celebrate Eid-Al-Azha, the message from the authorities is clear: people are free to perform their religious duties, but must do so in a responsible manner. The goal is to keep the city clean, peaceful, and united.
The celebration of Bakrid is deeply spiritual for the Muslim community, but this year, it also comes with a call for civic responsibility. As Mohammad Shahid of Ghazipur Slaughter House put it: “We should show the true spirit of sacrifice – not only through animals but by respecting the society we live in.”
