TransportRules – Maharashtra Intensifies Animal Transport Checks Ahead of Eid
TransportRules – Maharashtra authorities have launched a statewide enforcement campaign targeting illegal animal transportation ahead of Eid ul-Adha, while traders at Mumbai’s Deonar market report weak business activity due to rising operational costs and transport-related concerns.
Maharashtra’s Transport Department has announced strict monitoring measures across the state to prevent unlawful transportation of animals in the days leading up to Eid ul-Adha. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said officials have been directed to take firm action against violations linked to illegal transport practices, including unauthorised cattle movement and animal cruelty offences.
Statewide Enforcement Drive Begins
According to instructions issued by the department, regional transport offices, deputy transport officials and border inspection units have been placed on high alert between May 25 and May 28. Authorities have been ordered to conduct intensive vehicle inspections, especially along state borders and key transport corridors frequently used for livestock movement.
The department’s circular stated that every vehicle carrying animals must undergo detailed verification. Officials will inspect transport permits, veterinary health certificates and other mandatory documents to ensure compliance with transport and animal welfare regulations.
Transport authorities have also been told to seize vehicles involved in violations of the Motor Vehicles Act, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and related central government rules. The minister said strict enforcement would continue throughout the festival period, adding that no exceptions would be made for offenders.
Coordination With Police and Welfare Agencies
To strengthen the operation, transport officials are working alongside local police units, traffic departments, animal husbandry authorities and several animal welfare organisations. Special teams have reportedly been deployed to identify and stop illegal animal supply routes connected to unauthorised slaughter facilities.
Senior officials have also been instructed to submit detailed reports outlining enforcement actions, inspections carried out and vehicles seized during the campaign. The move comes as state agencies attempt to tighten monitoring ahead of the Eid festival, when livestock transportation activity usually increases significantly.
Deonar Market Witnesses Slow Business
While enforcement activity has intensified, traders at Mumbai’s Deonar Bakra Mandi say business has remained below expectations this year. The market, managed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, is one of the city’s largest seasonal livestock trading hubs during Eid ul-Adha.
Vendors and traders have linked the slowdown to multiple factors, including inflation, increasing transportation expenses caused by recent fuel price hikes and severe heatwave conditions affecting animal movement across regions.
Only a few days remain before Eid ul-Adha 2026, but market activity has not matched previous years, according to traders operating at the mandi. Many sellers say customer turnout and overall purchasing levels have remained lower than normal despite the approaching festival.
Traders Raise Transport Concerns
Kaleem Pathan, general manager of the Deonar abattoir, said nearly 1.3 lakh goats and sheep had arrived at the market by May 24. Of these, more than 50,000 animals had been sold. He added that sales had been slower than expected so far, although traders remain hopeful that demand could increase closer to the festival.
Meanwhile, representatives from livestock trader associations have expressed concern over transportation difficulties faced by suppliers bringing animals into Mumbai. Imran Babu Qureshi, National Vice-President of the All India Jamiatul Quresh, claimed that some traders were facing harassment while transporting goats and cattle to the city.
According to traders, vehicles carrying livestock have allegedly been stopped in certain areas, creating delays and financial losses for suppliers and farmers. Some traders believe these disruptions have discouraged many transporters from bringing larger numbers of animals to Mumbai this year.
Despite the slower market conditions, officials expect trading activity to rise in the final days before Eid ul-Adha as buyers complete festival-related purchases across the city.