The fate of the first modern abattoir started a while ago is hanging in the balance. The purpose of starting a dedicated slaughterhouse has been diluted now due to the negligent approach of Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC). The civic body has failed miserably to close the illegal poultry shops functioning across the State Capital making hefty profit while posing a huge hurdle in the operation of fully mechanised abattoir here.
With aim to provide hygienic meat to the public, an abattoir was opened at Arsande 11 km towards North from district head quarters Ranchi, a year ago.
The Municipal Corporation had passed a proposal – Municipal license (for sale of flesh, fish and poultry) Regulation, 2017 – clearly defining the guidelines for sale of poultry products.
According to the newly approved regulations, all the poultry sellers must abide by the rules beginning from deploying veterinary doctors before slaughtering the animals for consumption as well as marking of the slaughtered animals has been made obligatory under the norms as a symbol of health mark.
Even so, the sale of poultry products along roadside could not be restrained by the authorities.
The abattoir inaugurated in May 2018 by Former Municipal Commissioner Shantanu Agrahari and Deputy Mayor Sanjiv Vijayawargia involves a sum of Rs 15.55 crore.
According to the officials of RMC, attempts are being put to regularize the service of Kanke Abattoir.
“Soon teams will be formed and raid will be conducted. As per our plan, from September 15, area-wise raid will be conducted by the enforcement team to close the illegal meat shops running here,” said RMC Officer (Health), Dr Kiran Kumari.
The Health Officer admitted that Micro-Transmission System (MTS) -- a Noida based firm who has been given the charge of operation and maintenance of abattoir is running in loss. “Though the abattoir has been started but it is not being able to recover the invested amount. Effort will be made to shut down all illegal meat shops in a fixed time to bring the abattoir in profit,” added Dr. Kiran.
Meanwhile, Rehan Qureshi – In-charge of Kanke Abattoir said that distance is a major issue in popularising the abattoir service here in Capital City as it increases the rate of poultry products.
“The location of Kanke abattoir is such that it doubles the cost of meat. If a one kg goat meat is available in Ranchi market at a cost of Rs. 500 then here in the slaughter house, it will be made available at Rs. 600,” Qureshi added.
Besides, Qureshi too asserted that no serious attempt has been taken up by RMC to ensure closure of meat shops running without municipal license; hence, the company is facing loss. “Since, the abattoir is not fully-functional; all the five model meat shops are closed. Every month, Rs . 50, 000 is invested in the maintenance of model meat shops.
At present, over 70 trained persons are lending their service at Kanke abattoir whereas three persons each are deployed at the model meat shops but the Municipal Corporation hardly seems interested in this venture,” Qureshi further stated.