Construction of hi-tech abattoir put on backburner in Srinagar

Srinagar, Apr 3: Construction of a hi-tech abattoir in the summer capital with an aim to provide hygienic and high-quality meat to consumers, has been stalled.

In 2020, then Principal Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development Department, Dheeraj Gupta, had directed Municipal Commissioners of Jammu and Srinagar to ensure the completion of abattoirs in capital cities within a financial year.

However, despite passing on four year, the project has been witnessing a roller coaster ride. In Srinagar, the modern sheep abattoir at Alochibagh, with an estimated cost of Rs 24.52 crore has failed to meet its deadlines.

Rajesh Kumar Shavan, Managing Director, JKPCC told Greater Kashmir that the responsibility for ongoing projects, including the abattoir at Alochibagh, has been transferred to the Public Works Department (PWD).

"Consequently, work on the site has been halted by JKPCC, and the remaining tasks will be completed by Public Works Department ( PWD).

According to sources, Srinagar's sole operational abattoir at Rainawari struggles to meet the burgeoning demand, leading many butchers to slaughter animals in unregulated environments, potentially compromising food safety.

Khizer Mohammad Rigoo, President of the Mutton Dealer Association said that there is a need to complete the modern abattoir at Alochibagh.

Rigoo said that they have even hired a new company to import 'Dili gosht'. Earlier, he claimed the old company “did some wrong things, but we have asked the new company to ensure the quality meat.”

"We provide Grade A quality meat in Srinagar. Customers can even select meat according to their preferences. For Rs 700, they have the right to choose high-quality meat of their choice. Modern abattoirs are crucial here."

Moreover, experts stress the indispensable role of abattoirs in safeguarding public health.

An expert at the Sheep Husbandry Department said there is a stringent examination protocols employed in abattoirs, including ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections, to ascertain the suitability of meat for human consumption.

"As the delays persist, stakeholders and consumers alike await decisive action from authorities to expedite the completion of the modern slaughterhouse project, thereby addressing concerns surrounding meat quality and hygiene standards in Srinagar," he said.