Fate of Pimpri abattoir ‘sealed’

Following relentless opposition by the local residents, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) finally sealed its slaughterhouse located under Indira Gandhi flyover in Pimpri on Saturday amidst tight security.

Pimpri residents had been demanding closure of the slaughterhouse for the past few years as it is situated in the residential and market area.

Fed up with the foul smell and unhygienic conditions, the residents were asking the civic body to shift the slaughterhouse to another location.

Activists from Mathrubhumi Dakshata Movement had launched a hunger strike to demand shifting of the slaughterhouse from the area. The strike was called off only after PCMC commissioner Dr Shrikar Pardeshi assured them of some action.

Even last year, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) had issued a notice to the civic body to shut down the abattoir as it was inconveniencing the residents.

PCMC veterinary chief Dr Satish Gore said, “Earlier, notices to seal the slaughterhouse were sent to the shop owners.”

According to the civic officials, a new slaughterhouse has been proposed on a one-hectare plot on Survey Number 202 in Pimpri-Waghire.

As per the provisions of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966, the municipal corporation has invited suggestions and objections from citizens to reserve the plot for the slaughterhouse.

Nearly 15-18 large animals were slaughtered at the abattoir every day. The number went up to 55 animals during special occasions. Around 6,000 kg of meat was sold daily at the slaughterhouse. Around 16,000 kg of meat is consumed daily in the twin town.