district admn, civic body in a fix over future of carcass plant

Manav Mander

Ludhiana, July 18

The district administration and the Municipal Corporation are in a fix over the future of carcass plant located at Rasulpur village here. Constructed at a cost of around Rs 7.98 crore, it was supposed to be inaugurated in July 2021 but faced opposition from residents. However, on January 15 this year, the MC, with the support of the administration and police officials, managed to make the plant operational. But again it faced opposition from the villagers.

Was supposed to open in July 2021

Constructed at a cost of around Rs 7.98 crore, it was supposed to be inaugurated in July 2021 but faced opposition from residents. On January 15 this year, the MC, with the support of the administration and police officials, managed to make the plant operational. But again it faced opposition from the villagers.

Balbir Singh, former sarpanch of Rasulpur said they won’t allow the carcass plant to open here as it poses serious health hazards. “A similar plant established in Jodhpur emits foul smell. It is a big concern as it poses serious health risks to people staying in close proximity to the plant,” he said.

The administration and the corporation are in a dilemma over which step to adopt next, whether to start the carcass plant or shift it from here. The next hearing of the National Green Tribunal is scheduled for August 20.

Now, Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney has sought report from Municipal Corporation Commissioner Sandeep Rishi regarding the starting of the plant.

“We had sent a team yesterday to the site which faced agitation from villagers. Have asked the MC Commissioner for a status update. Will take further necessary action once the report is prepared,” the DC said.

The MC chief said they had made numerous attempts to start the plant but every time it had been unsuccessful.

“Yesterday, the team had went to the spot but villagers gathered there and held a protest. A meeting was also called recently but no representative from the village attended the meeting,” he said.

Further he added that they would be preparing a report and submitting it to the DC. “We will also be writing to our superiors, stating that the plant will not be functional keeping in view the law and order situation. It is not possible for us to take the police force every time we visit the plant,” he said.

When asked if they are planning to shift the plant, to which Rishi said they were looking for other options but not sure that people of that place would not protest. It is a scientific plant but sadly people fail to understand, he said.

He added that it was important to get the plant operational as the illegal “hadda-rodi” (carcass disposal point) functional on the banks of the Sutlej was polluting the river and had to be closed.

The new plant, set up under the Smart City Mission, is equipped with modern and scientific equipment and machinery. Cattle carcasses would be disposed of/processed to create poultry feed supplements and fertilisers at the facility.