The Times of India   04.08.2012

Government seeks land for pig slaughterhouse

NEW DELHI: Fearing an outbreak of Japanese encephalitis, the city's health minister on Friday asked Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to immediately identify and allot 10-12 acres of land to the government for setting-up a pig slaughterhouse, pig livestock market and allied activities. Last year, the city reported nine cases of the disease, claimed a government release.

After holding a meeting on the issue, the minister, Dr A K Walia, said it was DDA's duty to make necessary amendments in the Master Plan 2021, if required, for permitting pig slaughtering activities and setting up a slaughterhouse here. "The erstwhile MCD had pursued the matter with DDA for more than five years but did not succeed," he said.

At present, pigs are brought from neighboring states for slaughtering. "Pork sellers illegally slaughter pigs on their private premises, creating conditions for the spread of Japanese encephalitis," said the release.

A meeting was held early in the day to review the need for setting up of a slaughterhouse in Delhi. The meeting was attended by senior officers of municipal bodies, Delhi government and DDA officials. The officers of the DDA pointed out that there is no provision for construction of a pig slaughterhouse under Master Plan 2021.

As per the government release, pork sellers have been slaughtering pigs in their own premises, which is causing environmental & water pollution as the blood of slaughtered animals flows into the sewer lines.

"Due to insanitary conditions caused by indiscriminate pig slaughtering in various parts of the city, it is necessary to set up a pig slaughterhouse in Delhi," says the release. However, the local bodies are dependent upon DDA for allotment of land.