With the Cochin Port Trust (CPT) yet to give the required sanction to the Kochi Corporation to set up a state-of-the-art abattoir at Kundannoor, the civic body is planning to think of alternate ways, including remodeling of the slaughter house at Kaloor.
The Corporation-run slaughterhouse at Kaloor had already invited public wrath because of the unhygienic conditions prevailing there, especially with blood from the slaughter house flowing directly to nearby canals and drains. Recently, the team of officials from the district administration, including the Ernakulam District Collector, had visited the slaughter house and criticised the civic body for failing to ensure proper upkeep of the slaughter house at Kaloor.
“The major suggestion put forth by the District Administration is to find a solution to treat the blood of the slaughtered animals at the plant itself, rather than opening it to the drains. Hence, we are thinking of setting up a blood-treatment unit at the existing abattoir and carry out the necessary renovation works,” said Kochi Corporation Health Standing Committee chairman T K Ashraf.
However, Ashraf denied that the existing slaughter house is totally unhygienic. “The condition of the slaughter house is far better now. However, protests are mounting for the want of a blood-treatment plant and we cannot issue an order to close down the abattoir for that reason as we do not have any alternative facilities right now,” added Ashraf.
Regarding the plan to set up a centralised slaughter house at Kundannoor, Ashraf said the civic body is yet to get necessary sanction from the Port.
“We have earlier identified the two acres of land owned by the Cochin Port Trust at Kundannoor for the construction of the slaughter house. The land is easily accessible and connects directly with the NH which will help the lorries carrying the animals coming from other states to reach the facility easily. We have also planned to construct an animal-waste treatment facility there. However, the Port authorities did not clear our plan,” he said.
According to him, the civic body has tried to identify similar plots in and around the city for the construction of an abattoir but could not succeed in finding one. “The availability of land is the biggest issue. The State Government is ready to provide us financial support up to the tune of `9 crore for setting up the abattoir. But, we will have identify the land which is the biggest challenge,” he added.
