The Hindu : New Delhi News : MCD to relocate slaughter house

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Thursday, Jul 15, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

MCD to relocate slaughter house

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, JULY 14. Following the Supreme Court order, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi today began the process of closing down the controversial Idgah slaughter house in the heart of the city and relocate it at Ghazipur in East Delhi.

The Municipal Commissioner, Rakesh Mehta, who visited Ghazipur landfill site this morning, said a temporary slaughter house would come up within the stipulated time frame of six months set up by the Apex Court. It being a politically sensitive issue, Mr. Mehta is believed to have informed the matter both the Delhi Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit, and the Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk, Kapil Sibal.

While the environmentalists have been demanding closure of the Idgah slaughter house for long arguing that it was a major source of pollution, those involved in the trade, mostly residents of the Walled City area, have been vehemently opposing any such move. On the other hand, residents of East Delhi including a number of local MLAs have been protesting against the move to set up a slaughter house in their area. They even held demonstrations, before the last Assembly elections. Mr. Mehta said a modern and permanent slaughter house would come up at Ghazipur landfill site in the next two years. With an initial capacity for 2,000 goats and 500 buffaloes, it is likely to cost Rs. 100 crores when finally completed. As the MCD has identified 25 acres of the 80 acres of the site for this purpose, Mr. Mehta said it could be expanded to accommodate more than 25,000 animals.

The Commissioner today ordered a massive plantation drive in the rest of the area. "New technology would be deployed for its construction," he said.

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