The city of Ranchi is grappling with a severe public health hazard as a significant number of meat shops continue to operate in blatant violation of sanitation laws. These establishments are conducting open slaughter of animals, creating unhygienic conditions that pose a direct threat to community health.
Widespread Violations of Municipal Regulations
Despite clear rules established under the Ranchi Municipal Corporation Municipal Licence (For sale of flesh, fish or poultry) Regulation, 2017, the practice of slaughtering animals in the open remains rampant across the city. The regulation explicitly mandates that the sale of animal flesh is only permitted if the animal was processed in a licensed slaughterhouse. However, on-ground reality tells a different story, with violations visible in most city areas.
This illegal activity leads to multiple problems: improper disposal of animal waste, persistent foul odours, and a significantly increased risk of disease spread. The situation has persisted despite the known rules, indicating a failure in enforcement.
High Court Intervenes, Orders Strict Action
The issue reached the Jharkhand High Court during a hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Shyamanand Pandey. Expressing clear annoyance at the prevailing conditions, the court, in its Friday hearing, issued a firm directive.
The bench directed the state government to ensure the strict implementation of central food safety regulations and to immediately halt the sale of meat and chicken in open spaces. The court ordered both the state government and the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) to take prompt steps to curb this menace.
Official Response and Seller's Perspective
Following the court's order, RMC assistant public health officer Dr. Kiran Kumari confirmed that the municipal body, in collaboration with the state health department, has begun formulating stricter regulations to stop open meat sales. She acknowledged the public health risks involved and stated that a meeting with concerned officials was held on Friday to devise rules to tackle this issue.
Contrasting this official stance, a roadside meat seller in Ranchi's Lalpur area revealed a lack of proactive enforcement. The seller claimed, "The municipal corporation has never stopped us from selling meat in the open." He admitted that while some customers express concern upon seeing meat exposed to flies, a majority purchase it without question.
This gap between regulation and on-the-ground reality highlights the core challenge. The upcoming actions by the RMC and the health department, spurred by the High Court's intervention, will be crucial in safeguarding public health and restoring sanitary standards in Ranchi's meat market.
