Slaughter goes hi-tech

The 64-acre slaughterhouse in Deonar is soon to be turned into a fully-automatic unit with up-to-date equipment.

This change will ensure standardised exports, thereby allowing the abattoir to expand its exports to America and Europe.

Run by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the abattoir has till now been exporting meat (3,000 small animals) only to Gulf countries.

The BMC has finalised three consultants for the project: PHE consultants, Forward Engineering Corporation, and Centre for Integrated Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development. Along with other European experts, they will formulate a blueprint by November 15. Next year’s municipal budget will have a provision for this.

“The new technology will ensure that minimum blood is spilled and minimum pain caused to the animal. Everything will be done with the help of robots,” says Manu Kumar Shrivastava, additional municipal commissioner (projects).

At the abattoir, it currently takes 30 minutes to slaughter and package a small animal (goat and sheep) and 45 minutes for a bigger one. With the new technology, this time will be reduced by 50 per cent thereby increasing the production and revenue.

Authorities also hope the revamped slaughterhouse will help curb illegal slaughtering as it can handle a bigger load. There are an estimated 800 shops, with poor water and drainage facilities and regulation, where illegal slaughter takes place.