Charity bird feeders imperil traffic

Over 60 roadside stalls linked to airport bird strikes, blocked roads

JARANWALA:

A recent municipal road survey has revealed that nearly 65 sadqa (charity) meat sellers operating along roadsides in Jaranwala are creating serious hazards for motorists, pedestrians, and even air traffic near Faisalabad International Airport.

According to sources in the Municipal Corporation, these meat vendors—who capitalize on religious sentiments by offering sadqa meat to ward off evil—are doing brisk business but in violation of public safety regulations.

The sellers litter both sides of busy roads with raw meat, attracting large flocks of scavenging birds.

This not only disrupts vehicular traffic and contributes to road accidents but also increases the risk of bird strikes near the airport.

Municipal officials admitted that although past anti-encroachment operations were launched to remove these vendors, the efforts have largely failed.

The sellers return shortly after being evicted, often playing "hide and seek" with enforcement teams.

Allegations of bribery have also surfaced. "The anti-encroachment drive is just an eyewash," said Fiaz Ahmad, a local pedestrian. "Many of these vendors pay off officials to keep their spots."

Compounding the issue, the Faisalabad Waste Management Company has reportedly not addressed the resulting roadside litter, leaving rotting meat remains that further attract scavenger birds.

Meanwhile, concerns have escalated at the district level due to the increasing number of bird strikes at Faisalabad International Airport.

Presiding over a high-level meeting at the Deputy Commissioner's Office, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Capt (Rtd) Tayyab Sami warned that bird activity linked to sadqa meat could endanger aircraft and passengers.

"Selling sacrificial meat along roads near the airport is directly contributing to bird strikes," he stated.

The district administration has now directed strict legal action against vendors selling meat in the airport's vicinity.

The meeting also banned the use of laser and high-beam lights near the airport, which have been known to confuse pilots during landing and take-off.

The additional deputy commissioner emphasised the need for close coordination between the district administration, airport management and municipal authorities to enforce these directives and reduce bird-related risks effectively.