Centres ultimatum on slaughterhouse
The delay in completion of formalities for receiving a Central grant of Rs 19 crore for the construction of a modern slaughterhouse in the state capital could lead to money getting lapsed as it may be diverted to some other state. Though the union ministry of food processing had agreed in principle to give a grant of Rs 19 crore for the construction of a modern slaughterhouse but there has been an inordinate delay on part of the state government in signing the MOU. It has been conveyed to the state that in case the MOU is not signed by February 29, the Rs 19 crore for Himachal would be diverted for other projects in Andhra Pradesh. Sources in the local municipal corporation (MC) informed that the file for signing of the MOU had been pending in the state secretariat for the past several months. "We have urged the senior officials to process it so that the deadline of February 29 could be met and the money does not lapses,' a senior official said. It has been learnt that the Centre has already made up its mind that in case the MC does not sign the MOU by the end of this month, the money would be diverted for some projects in Andhra Pradesh. Officials say that the delay was caused due to the announcement of early elections. Efforts are being made to sign the MOU in time. The Rs 25 crore modern slaughterhouse project had been pending since 1994 due to paucity of funds. It was only after the union ministry of food processing agreed to provide Rs 19 crore to the local MC that the possibility of the project coming through increased. Infact, the MC has also identified a piece of land near Boileauganj, where the slaughterhouse is to be made. Interestingly, the MC veterinary doctor has even proceeded on a two-month long training to Japan with regard to management and functioning of the modern slaughterhouse while the project seems to be facing an uncertain future. The need for a modern slaughterhouse in the state capital has been felt for a long time but paucity of funds was the main problem. At present the slaughterhouse is located in the Krishnanagar locality of the town and the entire animal waste is being dumped into the nullah. Being located in a heavily populated area, the residents have time and again demanded the shifting of the slaughterhouse to another location. The construction of the modern slaughterhouse will enable proper disposal of the animal waste.