The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) approved the long-awaited project for a new multi-species abattoir during its monthly general house meeting on Thursday. The modern slaughterhouse will have the capacity to process approximately 60,000 poultry, 1,200 sheep or goat, and 100 swine per day.
Financial Approval and Timeline
The civic body prepared and passed a financial estimate of Rs 48.8 crore for the project, based on a report from a private consultant. The MC stated that the project will be completed within 24 to 30 months after the work is allotted through an e-tender process from experienced agencies. Raw materials will be sourced from Chandigarh and cities in Haryana and Punjab.
Overcoming Previous Hurdles
Despite discussions over the past few years, the project could not materialize due to multiple reasons, primarily financial constraints. The earlier plan to finance the project under a ring-fenced amount did not succeed. Now, the expenditure will be borne by the MC's medical office (health). Following the general house approval, the engineering department will initiate the tender process to hire a bidder for the new abattoir.
Need for Modernization
A copy of the approved agenda states: "The existing slaughterhouse in Industrial Area Phase-1, Chandigarh, was set up in the year 2000, and an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) was installed in 2008 to treat highly contaminated wastewater generated during slaughtering." The agenda adds that modern facilities will replace outdated and unhygienic practices, ensuring scientific methods with proper infrastructure. This will address public health, food safety, animal welfare, environmental protection, and economic viability.
Key Upgrades
The modernization plan includes upgrading the ETP to treat high-strength wastewater before discharge into municipal systems or the environment. The project will also incorporate solid waste management systems such as a rendering plant, composting, and safe byproduct processing to convert waste into valuable resources. Machinery will be upgraded for processes like stunning, shackling, and evisceration. The report emphasizes: "As the existing infrastructure does not meet CPCC/NGT environmental norms, modernization of the abattoir at the existing slaughterhouse is a necessity."
Cost Breakdown
- Civil and structural works: Rs 14.43 crore
- Main plant, equipment, and machinery: Rs 33.02 crore
- Contingency at 3 percent: Rs 1.42 crore
- Total: Rs 48.8 crore
This project aims to set a new standard for hygienic and efficient slaughtering practices in the region.
