Legal abattoirs hit as well, supplies dry up

THE MEN WHO RUN THE ABATTOIRS ARE HOPEFUL SITUATION WILL IMPROVE SOON

GHAZIABAD: The legal slaughterhouses in Ghaziabad witnessed a major dip in operations in the last couple of days as transporters and suppliers have stopped supplying animals fearing attack from vigilante groups.

The men who run the abattoirs are, however, hopeful directions from the state government will improve the situation.

Those running the abattoirs informed officials that it has become difficult to bring in livestock and even transporters were not ready to transport consignments in the present situation.

“During meetings and visits to plants, they told us that production has suffered majorly. However, we assured them that things will improve,” said Gyanendra Singh, additional district magistrate, Ghaziabad.

However, the unit officials said the announcement by state government that they were not targeting licenced units was a welcome step. “Since the chief minister has said those having valid licences would not face problems, the situation will improve... However, the suppliers are afraid that vigilante groups may hamper transportation of livestock. Our production is barely 50% at present,” said Intekhab Alam, general manager, Eagle Continental Foods in Dasna.

“We hardly have 10-15% production. Our suppliers are scared and not taking risk as they hardly earn ₹100-500 per animal. They are being targeted on roads and animals are being caught,” said an official from another unit, requesting anonymity.

As per official figures, the four integrated slaughterhouses and meat processing units in Ghaziabad (all export-oriented) have a sanctioned capacity of 2,258 livestock (buffaloes) and another 200 goats per day. Apart from this, the district has presence of five food (meat) processing export units approved by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, with a sanctioned capacity of 527 metric tonnes per day.

Though closure of illegal abattoirs in UP was a promise of the BJP in the assembly polls, even the legal units are feeling the heat. The four slaughterhouses in Ghaziabad’s Dasna area deal in buffalo meat, which is primarily exported to Gulf countries.

Slaughtering and consuming buffalo meat is legal in Uttar Pradesh. Recently, UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath ordered a crackdown on illegal slaughterhouses and meat shops. The government has clarified that only illegal abattoirs would be targeted.

“So far, we have not targeted any vehicle as the government is acting against illegal slaughters. It is trying to enforce the norms which were not enforced due to appeasement politics,” said Pinki Chaudhary, president of Hindu Raksha Dal, an outfit against cow slaughter and smuggling.