The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): The Delhi High Court has directed the relocation of Bhalaswa and Ghazipur dairies to Ghogha, citing serious health concerns for people consuming milk from cattle near landfill sites. The court emphasized the need for utmost hygienic conditions for milch animals to prevent the spread of diseases that can affect humans.
A bench led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet P.S. Arora issued these orders on May 8, during a hearing on the state of dairies in Delhi. The court took note of the potential spread of diseases such as foot and mouth disease, bovine herpes virus, and bovine respiratory virus among cattle, which can also affect humans.
The court criticized the authorities for ignoring the harm caused by dairies operating near landfills and expressed skepticism over the Delhi chief secretary’s assurance that cattle could be prevented from eating hazardous waste until the sites are cleared. The court ordered the chief secretary to seriously consider relocating the Bhalaswa and Ghazipur dairies to Ghogha and directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and city authorities to ramp up testing for chemicals in milk and milk products from all nine designated dairies.
“We, therefore, issue the following general directions: The Chief Secretary to seriously consider the suggestion made by the petitioners with respect to the relocation of Bhalaswa and Ghazipur dairies to Ghogha dairy,” the court stated. It also instructed authorities to remove unauthorized constructions, commercial establishments, residential houses, and industrial units from Ghogha to make it an attractive site for dairy owners.
The court highlighted the potential health risks from consuming milk from cattle feeding on hazardous waste, noting that such milk is used in various products, including powdered milk, sweets, and formula foods for toddlers. The FSSAI and the Department of Food Safety, GNCTD, were directed to conduct random sample checks of milk and milk products and take appropriate action if violations are found.
Additionally, the court reiterated concerns about the use of oxytocin in cattle, which can cause severe side effects such as uneven heartbeat, cardiac seizures, blurred vision, and abnormal physical development in children. It ordered the police commissioner to file an affidavit detailing efforts to track and curb the sources of spurious oxytocin.
The court also directed that existing dairies comply with licensing requirements and called for the installation of biogas plants near all nine authorized dairies in Delhi before the onset of monsoon. Veterinary hospitals near all designated dairies must be made functional immediately.
A pilot project in Madanpur Khadar Dairy Colony will focus on mapping and identifying cattle, tagging them, curbing the use of oxytocin, and maintaining cleanliness. The Delhi Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) was tasked with regular inspections and reporting any animal disease or injury to the Government Veterinary Hospital’s Veterinary Officer.
The Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) Para Legal Volunteers will carry out the mapping and identification work, supported by officials from relevant agencies and the Delhi Police to ensure law and order.
The matter is scheduled for the next hearing on May 27.