Two Animal Quarantine Stations have been formally inaugurated at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport today. The first Quarantine Station will be located at the International arrivals and another will be located at the Cargo Satellite Building. GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) provided has 10 sq. mtr space at International arrivals and 40 sq. mtr space at Cargo Satellite Building for these stations.
In accordance with Live Stock Importation Act (9 of 1898), the Government of India has been issued a notification declaring Rajiv Gandhi International Airport as a port for disembarkation of:
- Pet dogs and pet cats along with accompanied baggage as permitted under baggage rules;
- Laboratory animals such as rats, mice and guinea pigs for Research and Development purposes
- Grand Parent Stock of Poultry
The Animal Quarantine facility created at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport will not only help in facilitating clearance of pet dogs and pet cats etc after carrying out necessary quarantine tests but will also help the live stock and pharma industry for import of lab animals etc. Even the old Begumpet airport did not have this facility. Hence passengers and organizations were utilizing Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi and Chennai airports as only they had been notified as Animal Quarantine and Certification Services Stations.
The facility was inaugurated by Mr. Arvind Kaushal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, who mentioned during the inaugural address that in a week’s time export of animals will also be allowed from Hyderabad airport and an executive order will be issued by the Ministry. Dr. L Mohan, Director, Animal Husbandry, Govt. of A. P. was present during the inauguration.
Mr. P.S Nair, CEO, GHIAL thanked the State and Central Government Authorities for providing the facility and commencing operations in the shortest possible time.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. A Viswanath, Chief Commercial Officer, GHIAL said that we are happy to provide this facility for the Pharma / Live Stock and Poultry Industry. This will facilitate import of the required laboratory animals and specific eggs for poultry industry from various parts of the world. This will also enable a good amount of savings in terms of time and money for the importers.
The Government of Andhra Pradesh has allocated 10 acres of land adjacent to Airport area for creation of Animal Quarantine and Certification services. GoAP has also placed the services of Veterinary Doctor at the Airport for quarantine and certification services. Government of India has also allocated funds for construction of necessary infrastructural facilities. Soon, a fully fledged Animal Quarantine and Certification facility would be available at RGIA. GHIAL on their part, have provided necessary infrastructural facilities at the Airport.
About GHIAL:
GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd. (GHIAL), is a joint venture company promoted by GMR Infrastructure Ltd., (63%); Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (11%), Airports Authority of India (13%) and Government of Andhra Pradesh (13%), with a mandate to develop the world-class Rajiv Gandhi International Airport spread over 5,495 acres in Shamshabad, about 25 kms from the main city of Hyderabad. The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport will position Hyderabad as an important aviation hub in the coming years.