Vishwas Dass
Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Feb 8: The much-touted first mechanised abattoir of the state, which is to come up in the capital, will have the capacity to handle a meagre 30,000 kg of meat annually. This is less than 9 per cent of the requirement of 3.5 lakh kg for the city.
Though an agreement was signed between Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Centre’s National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) to execute the project, it will take another two years for the abattoir to become a
reality. The agreement followed the resolution of a dispute with villagers of Gadakana. The villagers, who were up in arms against the project, relented after they were promised that civic amenities would be strengthened in Gadakana.
“A majority of the demands of the villagers would be fulfilled by BMC and other grievances would also be addressed,” BMC deputy commissioner Srimant Mishra said.
The ministries of food processing industries (FPI) and micro small and medium enterprises (MSME) are extending support to the state government to execute the project, which requires an estimated `6.4 crore to develop the facility. The funds have been allocated by the Orissa Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (OUIDF) and will be provided in the form of a loan.
The mechanised abattoir will have chopping tools, a boiler, washing platforms, drainage system and a waste-treatment plant. The animals would be slaughtered and given to meat vendors only after veterinary doctors certify that the meat is fit for consumption.
“The corporation will lay a road around the proposed abattoir so that vendors can easily approach the slaughter house and collect meat. The abattoir will be equipped with all modern equipment to ensure supply of hygienic meat,” BMC executive engineer (division I) RN Mallik said.
According to guidelines, slaughtered meat should be kept at -20 degree centigrade for at least two hours to ensure that it is fit for consumption.
Sources said a kilo of slaughtered goat meat would be sold to vendors at Rs 350 by BMC. However, it is yet to be decided whether BMC would operate the abattoir or rope in a private firm.
