A decision which could affect livelihood of millions of people across Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Government has decided to shift slaughterhouses out of city limit as per the directives of Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal. Besides, decks have also been cleared for metro rail services in three cities.

The decisions were taken in the cabinet meeting held here on Wednesday.

Government spokesman Sidharthnath Singh said that cabinet has approved government proposal to amend Nagar Nigam Act, 1989 and Nagar Parishad Act 1916 by which the slaughter houses will be shifted out of city limits. “Slaughtering of any kind of animal will be prohibited inside city area once this Ordinance is promulgated,” Singh said.

He said earlier the Nagar Nigam and Nagar Parishad had the power to construct, run and regulate slaughter houses. After new act the Nagar Nigam and Parishad will only retain the power of regulation. The construction and running of slaughter houses will be manned by other agencies or private organizations.

“The NGT and SC had suggested the state governments to take slaughter houses out of city limit. This ordinance will implement the spirit of the order,” he said.

Since Yogi Government has come to power slaughter houses had remained at the focus.  The first decision of this government was to close down illegal slaughter houses which drew sharp reactions from the political parties.

Many meat shops were closed but with the passage of time these shops re-opened.

In another decision Cabinet has approved the proposal to operate Metro rail Service in three cities. New metro service will come up in Agra, Meerut and Kanpur and will cost over Rs 45,000 crore. The project is likely to be completed by 2024.

Singh said that Agra Metro will have two corridors having 30 stations and will operate in 30 km stretch. The total cost of the project will be Rs 13,000 crore while the Kanpur metro too will run at 30 km stretch but will have 31 stations. This will cost Rs 17000 crore to the exchequer. “The Meerut metro will be the longest with 33 km stretch but will have 29 stations. The total cost will be Rs 13,800 crore,” he said.

The spokesman clarifies that changes can be made in DPR and the proposals will be sent to centre as Metro project will be implemented jointly by centre and state.

Obra Unit 8 Closed: Cabinet has taken a decision to close down Obra Thermal Unit 8 because the boiler has passed its life span of 25 years and was now 34 years in running. Earlier decision was taken to replace the boiler at the cost of Rs 113 crore and Rs 13 crore was paid to BHEl as an advance. After central agency suggested that replacement of boiler would not be of any use government has decided to close down the unit.

Singh said that this Unit was not in operation and its closure will not affect power generation in the state.

lok Adalat: Government has decided to set up lok Adalts in 24 districts which will be operated under UP State legal Service Commission. “The new adalats will be opened under third phase. Under first phase these courts were set up in 23 districts and in second phase 24 districts got lok Adalat,” he said adding these courts will expedite giving judgement in civil case. In last nine months 16107 cases have been settled,” he said.

Agreement:  Yogi Government has decided to enter into umbrella agreement over transfer of state highways to National Highway Authority. Under this agreement eight highways will be handed over to National Highway. “Centre had asked UP Government to sign this agreement and state is just following the suit,” he said.

Model Shops: Government has decided to bring an amendment allowing people to consume liquor in the model shops. Singh said though in model shops purchase and consumption of liquor is allowed but a petition was filed in Supreme Court and High Court that consumption of liquor should not be allowed in Model Shops. “After the amendment in excise policy model shops will provide space for consumption of liquor,” he said.

Sugar Mill: Cabinet has allowed expansion in Ramola Sugar Mills under UP Co-operative Society from existing limit of 2750 TCD to 5000 TCD. Government will give Rs 300 crore while the UP Co-operative Society will generate the rest amount. This will help over 34,000 farmers and will give employment to 8000 people.