BHUBANESWAR:Even as open slaughter of animals and sale of meat on roadsides continue unabated across the State, the Government has finally moved to clamp down on the banned practice and ensure strict enforcement of the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court.
The Government has directed the Collectors to not only shut down unauthorised butcher shops in their districts but also ensure that the licensed slaughter houses adhere to the Slaughter House Rules. The Collectors have been asked to conduct random inspections and take immediate action against the violators.
Joint enforcement drives should be conducted by district administrations, police, urban local bodies, Tehsildars and State Pollution Control Board, especially on Wednesdays and Sundays when the demand for meat goes up, Chief Secretary GC Pati has directed.
The apex court has ordered strict enforcement of the ban on roadside open slaughtering of animals, prevention of cruelty to animals during slaughtering and the standards laid down by the Bureau of Indian Standards on slaughtering, disposal of animal wastes and slurry. While submitting an affidavit on compliance to the directions, the State Government has asked the Collectors to submit quarterly reports on the status of slaughter houses and the steps that need to be taken in the respective areas.
The district administrations will also take speedy action to identify suitable land for establishment of modern meat and fish markets.
Rule Order