Inviting bids for construction of slaughterhouse in Bhayander sparks protests

Mumbai: The Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC), currently under the administration of Municipal Commissioner Sanjay Katkar, has initiated an online bidding process for the construction of a slaughterhouse within its jurisdiction. This decision has sparked protests from various political parties.
On Oct 3, the municipality released tenders for 11 development projects, which include a cycling and jogging track, a gymnasium, a school, and an abattoir.The bids are scheduled to be opened on Oct 11 at the civic headquarters in Bhayander. Independent MLA Geeta Jain has objected to the tendering process for the slaughterhouse, deeming it illegal. In a letter addressed to Katkar, Jain pointed out that while a slaughterhouse is proposed in the Development Plan, it is still awaiting approval. She expressed concern over the potential health risks posed by an abattoir to the local villagers.
In Dec 2022, the municipality had commenced the land acquisition process for a slaughterhouse in Utan, Bhayander (west), which was met with strong opposition from over 5,000 residents who wrote to chief minister Eknath Shinde. The residents are already engaged in a battle against the civic dumping ground in Utan and the burning of garbage. A Solid Waste Management project at Dhagvi village in Utan was halted in Sep 2009, following massive protests by the locals.
According to the tender, the construction of the slaughterhouse is estimated to cost Rs 40 crore and is expected to be completed within 30 months. The funds for the abattoir and other development projects in Mira-Bhayander were approved by the state Urban Development Department from Ovala-Majiwada MLA Pratap Sarnaik's funds. The funds were later transferred to the Late Balasaheb Thackeray Memorial Art Gallery in Bhayander. Former BJP MLA Narendra Mehta has threatened to organise a large-scale protest if the tender for the slaughterhouse is not withdrawn. He argued that the abattoir would offend the religious sentiments of the majority community and questioned the necessity for such a facility in the region. It is worth noting that the MBMC has been enforcing a ban on the sale of meat during the Jain fasting season of Paryushan.