Every year on Eid-ul-Azha, municipal areas become overwhelmed by the influx of sacrificial waste. The improper disposal of animal remains, offal and blood inundates roads and streets and chokes local drainage systems, creating severe sanitation crises. The unpleasant smell and unhygienic conditions not only create discomfort for residents but also increase the risk of spreading dangerous diseases. Unfortunately, municipal authorities often fail to handle the enormous burden of waste collection and disposal during the Eid festival. Due to poor planning, lack of resources and weak implementation of sanitation policies, many urban areas remain dirty for days after Eid. In ordinary circumstances, this negligence is harmful, but in the current situation, it can become disastrous for public health.

Eid-ul-Azha is one of the most sacred religious occasions in Islam. In Pakistan, millions of animals are sacrificed every year during the three days of Eid. The significance of this practice is respected as a religious duty; however, the issue of cleanliness and waste management during the festival has become a serious public health concern that cannot be ignored. Therefore, this day should be observed not only with devotion but also with a strong sense of civic responsibility.

Pakistan has already experienced severe challenges during Covid-19, which exposed weaknesses in the country’s healthcare and sanitation systems. At the same time, experts around the world continue to warn about the danger of zoonotic diseases, including the Nipah virus, which can spread through animals and unhygienic environments. In such circumstances, maintaining cleanliness during Eid-ul-Azha is no longer merely a civic duty; it is a matter of national health security. The government must therefore introduce strict and foolproof SOPs to minimise the risk of disease transmission.

One of the major problems during Eid-ul-Azha is the makeshift animal markets in residential and commercial areas. In such markets, animals are often kept in overcrowded conditions without proper veterinary supervision, sanitation or waste disposal arrangements. This not only creates environmental pollution but also threatens public health. The government should only allow well-organised sacrificial animal markets in designated areas away from densely populated neighborhoods.

These markets should include essential facilities such as trained veterinarians, vaccination centres, quality fodder and clean water supplies. Sick animals must be identified and isolated immediately to prevent the spread of infections. Furthermore, a proper registration system should be introduced where animal owners receive tokens and follow regulated procedures for buying and sacrificing animals. Such arrangements would reduce chaos and improve monitoring.

Proper management is also necessary for timely collection and disposal of waste. Offal collection teams must remain active throughout the three days of Eid. Garbage bags should be distributed among residents before Eid, and waste disposal vehicles should operate round the clock. The authorities should also spray disinfectants in streets and markets to prevent foul smells and bacterial growth. The waste management systems, if implemented effectively, can reduce environmental pollution during the festival.

However, the responsibility does not solely rest with the government; citizens must also play their part in maintaining cleanliness. People should avoid throwing waste into streets and drains and should cooperate with municipal workers. Religious scholars, media organisations and educational institutions can create awareness about cleanliness as an essential Islamic value. Islam strongly emphasises hygiene, and the spirit of Eid-ul-Azha lies in maintaining discipline, exercising responsibility and displaying concern for public welfare.

Given the ongoing threat of contagious diseases, maintain cleanliness is more important than ever. One concerning practice is storing meat rather than distributing it to the poor. Stored meat becomes rotten, may cause infections and loses its taste. To avoid this, one must take responsibility so that Eid-ul-Azha can be celebrated in a safe, hygienic and truly religious manner.