Bhakti Chalak

Recognising the need to create facilities and systems for the law-abiding Muslims to offer sacrifice of an animal on the occasion of Bakrid (Eid-ul-Adha) without controversy, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) of Maharashtra has come to the help of the community.

According to this move, the Muslims would no longer to required to visit the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation offices for permission for the sacrifice.

The corporation has introduced a facility to obtain online permission from the comfort of one's home via the 'MyBMC' mobile app and its official website.

The BMC has designated a total of 109 spots in Mumbai for religious sacrifices this year. Citizens will be able to perform sacrifices at these designated locations between May 28 and May 30. However, obtaining online permission via the BMC app is mandatory for this.

A review meeting was recently held under the chairmanship of BMC Additional Commissioner Ashwini Joshi. The preparations for the festival were reviewed during this meeting. This year, not only has the BMC arranged for online applications, but it has also set up a massive market for buffaloes and goats at the Deonar Abattoir from May 17 to May 30.

According to the new rules of the BMC, the sacrifice of large animals, like buffaloes, can only be carried out at the Deonar Abattoir and is strictly prohibited anywhere else in Mumbai. For this, an import license for animals and a time slot can be booked online on the BMC website.

To redress citizens' grievances and provide urgent assistance during the festival, the BMC has set up a special 24-hour control room.

Special helpline numbers have also been announced for this purpose. Sheds have been erected over approximately 1 lakh 10 thousand square meters of space at the Deonar Abattoir for the animals.

In addition, an exclusive area of 10,000 square meters has been reserved specifically for the religious sacrifice of buffaloes.

Throughout this period, the BMC has made impeccable arrangements for extra water supply, temporary health centers, ambulances, veterinary facilities, and cleanliness. It is estimated that about 7,500 metric tons of garbage will be generated from the Deonar Abattoir and its surrounding areas during these festive days.

To clear this garbage, more than 200 sanitation workers and modern machinery will be deployed every day. For the safety of the citizens, 500 police personnel, 200 BMC security guards, and over 500 CCTV cameras have been installed at the Deonar Abattoir.

Why there was the need for this rule? The BMC's old online system had a lot of loopholes.

Taking advantage of that, some people had filed bogus or fake applications. This created a massive mess and confusion in the BMC's administrative work. To put a stop to this bogus operation, the BMC has now introduced a highly secure and advanced system. Thanks to this new system, your applications will be registered in the shortest possible time, and you will get immediate approval.

To ensure you face no difficulties while applying for the sacrifice, follow the steps below:

Step 1:  Download the 'MyBMC' App

Go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store on your mobile. Type 'MyBMC' and install the official app of the corporation. If you face any issues using the app, you can also fill out the form by visiting the BMC website: www.mcgm.gov.in.

Step 2: Choose the Right Option

At the very bottom of the app's main screen, you will see the options 'Sheep/Goat Religious Slaughter' and 'Slot Booking For Religious Slaughter'. Choose the option that suits your requirement.

Step 3: Register

After selecting the slot booking option, register by entering your name, mobile number, and email ID. Login by entering the OTP sent to your number.

Step 4: Fill in Details and Upload Documents

Accurately fill in your name, address, and mobile number in the form. Select the nearest location to you from the 109 spots designated by the BMC. If you are going to perform the sacrifice in your private space or society, it is mandatory to attach a 'No Objection Certificate' (NOC) from the society. Select the number of animals you will be sacrificing and choose a date and time slot. Finally, scan and upload your proof of identity (such as a PAN card or ID card).

Step 5: Get the Digital Permit

Submit the application after accepting all the terms and rules. Once the application is approved, you will receive a message on your mobile. After that, you can download the digital permit containing a QR code directly from the app. It is legally mandatory to keep this receipt with you at the time of the sacrifice.

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Helpline Numbers:

For the convenience of citizens and grievance redressal during the festival, the BMC has started a special control room. If you face any issues, you can contact the numbers below at any time: 9076000481, 9076000482, 9076000483, and 9076000484