The Chennai Corporation will construct eight satellite slaughterhouses in the city to prevent public health problems associated with unlicensed butcheries.
Slaughterhouses for sheep and goats will be commissioned at Thiruvottiyur, Ambattur, Porur, Alandur and Sholinganallur. The ones at Thiruvottiyur, Porur and Sholinganallur will also have facilities to slaughter buffaloes. “Each of the slaughterhouses will be located 5 to 7 km from existing butcheries in extended areas,” said an official.
Over 575 heads of cattle, including 450 sheep, will be slaughtered in each of the facilities. Site selection has been completed in most of the areas and the civic body is awaiting land transfer. The facilities will be commissioned within six months, after finalising bids.
Each of the slaughterhouses will be constructed on one to two acres of land.
In the last three months, a number of unlicensed meat stalls in extended areas have been closed down by the Corporation. “We are unable to regulate the unauthorised meat stalls without facilities for slaughter in added areas,” said the official.
Allegations pertaining to slaughter of sick animals in many areas have also been recorded.
Gastroenteritis and contamination of food have also been reported to the public health department.
