EDMC distributes garbage bags for animal remains; effectiveness of plan unclear

In an experiment to deal with remains of animals sacrificed during Id-ul-Zuha on Wednesday, the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) on Tuesday distributed black polythene bags to Muslim households under its jurisdiction.

Of 50,000 garbage bags distributed in east Delhi, 12,000 were given in Jaffarabad, corporation records stated.

The proposal

Presented by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor Rekha Tyagi, a resolution moved by the Standing Committee proposed distribution of plastic garbage bags ahead of Id-ul-Zuha.

The proposal said this would prevent stray dogs and birds from feeding and leaving animal remains strewn around, leading to “unhygienic conditions and spread of diseases”.

However, the effectiveness of the move is still unclear.

Sifting through goat and buffalo entrails lying exposed in a garbage dump in Jaffarabad, domestic helpers Seema and Satyapati picked out guts needed to make a dish.

“After cleaning the guts, we will soak them in salt water before cooking them in spices. We do this every year during this time,” explained Seema.

Implementation of plan

Animal remains lying exposed in a garbage dump were contrary to the corporation’s plan and Ms. Tyagi too was unhappy with the implementation of the resolution.

She said very few garbage bags were distributed and the ones that were given were of extremely poor quality.

“I had asked for at least 2,000 garbage bags for my area, which has a large Muslim population, but I was only given 500,” she said.

Sanitation worker Nitin said the distributed garbage bags were “useless”.

“Look at how easily they tear. What is the point [of distributing them]? Dogs will tear the bags easily and spread animal remains all over the place,” he said.

An official in the Department of Environmental Management Services, which implemented the experiment, said garbage bags were distributed based on household estimates given by the Veterinary Department and in consultation with local councillors.

However, Ms. Tyagi denied being consulted. “I have complained to the Standing Committee chairperson. I have also demanded answers on how these estimates were arrived at,” she said.

Animal sacrifice will continue for two more days. In Jaffarabad, goats and buffaloes can be seen at every corner.

Area resident Islamudin said animals are slaughtered at home or wherever there is space.

Talking about the plastic garbage bags, he said, “They gave bags to some people in the locality but not everyone got them. We generally take care of the waste ourself. The blood is thrown in the drain, the skin is donated to the madrasa and the remains thrown in garbage. But people are always happy to get something for free.”