Karnataka minister directs MSCL to shift abattoir

MANGALURU: Urban development minister Byrathi Basavaraj directed the Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL) to put on hold its proposal of redeveloping the abattoir in Kudroli in the city.
A proposal to redevelop the abattoir, which currently slaughters cattle for meat to be supplied in the city, was included in the Smart City project list by earlier urban development minister UT Khader. Accordingly, Rs 15 crore was reserved by MSCL to redevelop it. However, based on demands by Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, the minister on Saturday decided to put the proposal on hold.
At an official review meeting, he directed MSCL MD Mohammed Nazeer to hold the project till a suitable location was identified. The Sangh Parivar has been raising objections to the project, stating that the area has many temples and it’s close to the river. They also have been alleging illegal transportation of cows to the slaughter house.
In a memorandum to the minister, VHP and Bajrang Dal appealed that the abattoir under MSCL should not be built in the city. “Cows are being transported illegally to the abattoir and several cases have been registered in this connection. We have been worshipping cows as revered ‘Gaumata’ and slaughtering it is banned as per rules. While police fail to prevent illegal transportation, it also triggers conflicts if organisations try to stop it. The location identified by the MSCL is not suitable as it has no space for effluent treatment plant, pre-mortem, post-mortem facility, greenery and there are restrictions against setting up slaughter houses on river banks,” they said.
The minister, without mentioning VHP and Bajrang Dal, said, “A decision to hold the project was taken based on the public complaints. People have been complaining that the abattoir is close to the river and the place is not convenient. Hence, I directed MSCL officials to search an alternative location.”
Minister takes officials to task
Basavaraj took officials to task for not expediting development works at a review meeting on development works taken up by Mangaluru City Corporation and Mangaluru Smart City Limited here on Saturday.
While MCC is lagging behind in revenue collection, MSCL could complete only four of 47 projects taken up. It was brought to his notice that 40 development projects taken up in 2017-18 have not been completed. These include construction of a market complex in Surathkal. The minister fixed a deadline of March 31 for all projects to be completed. He also directed deputy commissioner Sindhu B Rupesh to expedite all projects taken up by MSCL.
“Apart from works on roads, footpaths and drainages, there is a need to focus on other development works too under Smart City Mission,” Basavaraj said.
MSCL MD Nazeer said a detailed project report for waterfront development works has been prepared. The 2.1-km long waterfront project from Nethravathi bridge includes a cycle track, walking track, pedestrian path, kiosk and garden. The MSCL has earmarked Rs 150 crore, he said, adding that the DPR will be placed before the board for approval on March 2.
On sliding of waste from Pachanady dump yard which damaged 27 houses, arecanut and coconut farms due to heavy rain in August, 2019, the minister said the government has already sanctioned Rs 8 crore to construct a wall to prevent it from happening again.
Meanwhile, a proposal has been prepared to compensate residents who lost their property, crops and other valuables. It may require Rs 20 crore to compensate residents near Pachanady, he said, adding that the government will sanction the amount soon.