Jahanvi Agarwal
The Delhi High Court recently called for serious consideration of relocating dairies situated near landfill sites in Ghazipur and Bhalaswa, highlighting significant public health risks.
Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora emphasized that dismissing the threat posed by dairies near these sites is misguided. The Court expressed skepticism about claims that cattle in these dairies can be shielded from consuming hazardous waste until the estimated landfill clearance in 2025-26.
The Court’s order on May 8 outlined stringent measures, requiring existing dairies to adhere to municipal and regulatory laws. This includes securing licenses from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi’s Animal Husbandry Department, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the Food Safety Authority. The Court specifically mandated the installation of bio-gas plants at authorized dairies for managing waste and gas production.
The directives stemmed from a PIL filed by animal rights activist Sunayana Sibal, aiming to relocate Delhi’s dairy colonies and ensure compliance with legal standards. During proceedings, the High Court chastised authorities for neglecting dairy regulations, emphasizing that citizens should not be exposed to unsanitary milk.
Further directives involved ramping up milk testing by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Delhi government’s Food Safety Department. The Bench demanded a comprehensive report from the Commissioner of Police on efforts to combat spurious hormone use in dairy production.
The ruling also ordered MCD to clear encroachments at Ghogha dairy and regulate cattle numbers. Additionally, the Madanpur Khadar Dairy Colony was designated as a pilot project for comprehensive compliance with laws, including cattle mapping, hygiene protocols and banning of harmful hormones.
The Court instructed the Chief Secretary to submit a detailed affidavit outlining the future roadmap for Delhi’s dairy colonies by May 24, 2024, following a hearing with petitioners. The case will resume on May 27.
Case Name: Sunayana Sibal & Ors v Government of NCT of Delhi & Ors.
Dairy Number: 13236/2022
Bench: Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora