A network of illegal and unhygienic slaughterhouses is rapidly expanding across multiple locations in Panchkula, triggering serious alarms over public health, environmental damage, and sanitation standards.
Alarming Growth in Unregulated Meat Shops
Local residents report a sharp increase in the number of these open-air slaughter points. The area near the new roundabout at the end of the Sector 20 flyover has seen a jump from just two such points to nearly eight in recent weeks. Similar clusters of unregulated meat shops have emerged at Majri Chowk, near the road dividing Sector 25 and 26, the Sector 20/21 roundabout, and other peripheral zones where official enforcement is weak.
Sahil Nagpal, a local trader, expressed the community's frustration, stating that the situation is an eyesore. He highlighted that meat waste, including non-consumable bird parts, is being dumped in nearby forest areas. This practice is attracting stray animals and poses a severe contamination risk. Nagpal accused Municipal Corporation officials of ignoring the problem, noting that many shops operate without licenses, proper waste disposal systems, or adherence to mandated hygiene norms.
Imminent Public Health and Environmental Risks
The unchecked growth of these facilities is stoking fears of a full-blown public health emergency. Residents are concerned about potential soil and water contamination, persistent foul odours, and a rise in stray animal activity due to the indiscriminate dumping of animal waste.
Mohit Gupta, founder of Solution Box, outlined the robust regulatory framework that is being completely bypassed. He cited the Haryana Municipal (Regulation of Sale of Meat) Bye-laws, 1976, which govern the sale, storage, and display of meat, requiring strict hygiene standards and clean receptacles. He also referenced the Haryana Municipal (Regulation of Slaughter Houses) Bye-laws, 1977 (updated as 2008 Bye-laws), which regulate slaughter operations, animal welfare, and waste management, explicitly prohibiting on-site meat sales.
Furthermore, the FSSAI Guidelines (2011 Regulations) mandate that meat shops must obtain a state licence or registration, depending on their scale. Compliance involves veterinary inspections, source traceability, and specific hygiene upgrades, with inspections conducted by a team of municipal health officers, police, and veterinary doctors before licensing is granted.
Authorities Failing to Enforce Laws
Gupta lamented the complete lack of enforcement. Neither the Municipal Corporation nor the food department's safety standards are being implemented. He also pointed out that the animal welfare department should be checking for cruelty issues. His conclusion was stark: it appears that none of the responsible authorities are taking this growing crisis seriously, leaving Panchkula residents to face the escalating consequences.
