Jiyaguda under lens for illegal animal slaughter

The GHMC’s concern to ensure that Hyderabadis eat good quality meat, will affect Jiyaguda, a big hub of illegal slaughterhouses.

The corporation has assessed that 9,000 animals are slaughtered here without health and weight checks. It wants to tighten up meat processing ahead of the Ramzan season.

Jiyaguda is the largest centre in the state for the traditional slaughtering of animals and it caters to the core city. Many from other states also trade meat at this hub. Despite the five modern slaughterhouses set up by the GHMC at Amberpet, Chengicherla, Ramnasthpura, New Bhoiguda and Gowlipura, it is business as usual with traditional butchers at Jiyaguda.

GHMC Commissioner Dr B Janardhan Reddy said that a few years ago, when the Union ministry of health directed urban local bodies to construct modern slaughter houses, the GHMC proposed one in Jiyaguda. “But some residents approached the court and GHMC lost the case and couldn’t do much. But today, the corporation wants to put an end to illegal slaughter as there is no legal hurdle. It needs an investment of `50 crore.”

He added, “The main concern is that over 9000 animals are slaughtered here and supplied to the food industry and there is zero check on the health of the animal. Slaughtering is done in an unscientific manner. Due to this illegal business, the other government slaughter houses don’t get adequate animals for slaughter.” The corporation plans to build a modern, well-equipped slaughterhouse here and thus divert 50 per cent of the animals to its other slaughterhouses.

The Commissioner warns that hotels and restaurants must buy meat only from approved slaughterhouses.

“Raids will continue until the industry falls in line with the regulations. There will be a penalty for firsttime violators and closure for repeating the offence,” he said.