PUNE: After hunting for a suitable spot for an abattoir for the past 20 years, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has proposed to construct a modern abattoir in an industrial area. The civic body's previous proposals for abattoir at various sites had faced opposition in the past for their inconvenient location.

At present, Pimpri-Chinchwad has only one small slaughter house located below the Indira Gandhi Railway Over Bridge (ROB). Traders sell meat from rows of shops that the PCMC has constructed under the bridge. However, these shops are not properly enclosed nor do they have many facilities. There have been agitations for shifting the slaughterhouse from here as it is on the road approaching the railway station and a nuisance to those living nearby. Earlier, the municipal corporation had planned to shift the slaughter house to Bhosari area. However, the proposal was abandoned after severe opposition from local residents.

The municipal corporation has now proposed to construct the slaughter house on a hectare of land in survey number 202 at Pimpri Waghire. The land is in an industrial zone. As per the provisions of the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act, the corporation has invited suggestions and objections from citizens for reserving the one hectare land for the slaughter house. The suggestions and objections can be sent within a month. Last year, the civic general body (GB) had approved a resolution for allotting one hectare in Pimpri for the abattoir.The proposed slaughter house will have all modern facilities, including proper disposal of the waste.

Satish Gore, veterinary officer, PCMC, said, at present, around 15 to 18 large-sized animals are slaughtered at the slaughter house everyday. The number increases to 55 animals on Thursdays, Sundays and other special occasions. Around 6,000 kg meat is sold daily from the slaughterhouse.

However, sheep and goats are not slaughtered at the slaughter house. Shops selling sheep/goat meat are found scattered all over the city. The shopkeepers slaughter these smaller animals at the shops and sell their meat. Most of them lack cleanliness.

Officials say there is no central slaughter house where these animals can be slaughtered in hygienic conditions. Around 15,000 to 16,000 kg of sheep/goat meat is consumed in the city everyday.