Open House What should be done to solve the long-standing issue of carcass utilisation plant in rasulpur?

Relocate Rasulpur carcass plant

It is startling to note that the country’s third carcass plant, which was built at Rasulpur village, Noorpur Bet, under the Smart City project at a cost of Rs 7.98 crore, could not be made operational due to strong opposition from the villagers. Local residents may have their own reasons, but it is important to understand that a carcass plant not only reduces the environmental impact of livestock operations, but also closes the nutrient loop, ensuring that no part of the animal goes to waste. Carcass plants are modern pieces of equipment that process animal remains and help to improve waste management. They also promote sustainability by reducing the volume of organic waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. The rendering process used in these facilities aids in the conversion of cattle carcasses into high-protein poultry feed supplements and fertilisers. People need to understand that carcass plants are an important part of modern agricultural practices, and that they align with larger goals like environmental stewardship and resource conservation. The contribution emphasises the importance of integrated waste management systems in achieving a more sustainable and circular agricultural economy. Given the current situation and the plant’s importance, the best option is to relocate the Rasulpur plant.

Novin Christopher

CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE TO TAKE CALL

The MC chief has proposed that in view of the continued protests and law and order situation at the site since 2021 when first attempt was made to inaugurate the plant. The administration may have to explore the option of shifting of carcass plant at the dump site located at Jamalpur or at the industrial complex of Punjab Agro around Khadak, Chahar, Cholley and Allowa villages. A Cabinet sub-committee has also been formed to take the decision.

Sakhsi Sawhney, Deputy Commissioner

Chief Minister should intervene

A carcass utilisation plant is a facility that processes animal by-products, fallen animals and waste from slaughter houses. The primary idea behind setting up such plants is the environmental protection by reducing pollution and bird strikes on aircrafts, producing hygienic meat for domestic and export markets, making poultry feed supplements and fertilisers, besides stopping of “hadda-rodis” where people dump carcasses in the open. A carcass utilisation plant built under Smart City project at Noorpur village of the district in 2021 at a cost of Rs.7.98 crore continues to remain shut due to the stiff opposition by the residents of the area. In the month of July this year, the MC officials and district administration, accompanied by about 200 policemen tried to get the plant functional, but the residents of 12 nearby villages got together, protested and stopped them. An FIR was got registered against the protesters but of no use. Efforts at the Chief Secretary or Chief Minister level are required to convince the villagers that all scientific measures have been taken in such a way that their health is not adversely affected and no stench comes out. If all efforts fail, the administration should initiate deliberations on the proposal to shift the plant from Noorpur village to some alternate location. The state government should form a committee to take a decision on shifting the plant involving local bodies’ minister, agriculture minister, additional chief secretaries of local government and animal husbandry department, besides the secretary of science, technology and environment department. The committee should decide about the future of the plant within a period of three months as per the instructions given by the NGT to the MC.

RS SEMBHI

Villagers irked by strong stench

Carcass plant is the third plant in the country which is located in Noorpur village in Ludhiana. It was completed in 2021 but due to the protest by villagers it was not started yet. They complain of a foul stench when it is operational. The best way is to install a plant which may control foul smell and a trial must be carried out in the presence of villagers so that their real concern will be addressed. Some senior officials of the corporation must meet the members of the village in the presence of Sarpanch to resolve the issue so that the carcass plant may be started as early as possible. A committee must be formed having some members of the village to resolve the issue. Each member of the village must be taken into consideration before starting the project of carcass. The trust of villagers must be restored by giving assurance that no foul stench will be there after its operation.

Dr Mohammad Saleem Farooqui

Form committee to resolve the issue

Local government has established carcass plant in Noorpur Bet village so that proper operation of the dead animals may be carried out outside of the city. The local government must form a committee to resolve the issue. Operation must be started in the presence of villages to impose the trust. Each villager must also cooperate as it may be beneficial for each and every citizen of the city. The local government must address the issue raised by the villagers regarding foul smell. The villagers must see after the operation of the carcass plant whether the issue of the foul smell is resolved or not. If it is resolved then the operation must continue but if not then the solution must be found so that villagers should not suffer. A huge amount of investment is involved in establishing the carcass plant. So, each villager must cooperate after getting their issues resolved.

Farzana Khan

MC should organise awareness camps

Openings of dead skin animals causes pollution in Sutlej affecting aquatic and terrestrial organisms. It causes pollution to a great extent and affecting the life of the villagers and will cause many ill hazards in the near future. Villagers needs to be get aware that this project will remove their suffering rather than creating more. The pure water will enhance their agricultural quality and productivity. Campaigns and short videos should be run in village panchayat to understand the benefits associated with it. The Municipal Corporation needs to arrange to train the young generation of the village the importance of sustainability so that the young guns can influence their families to support for the installation. The MC should also address the pragmatic concerns and mould its policies in favour of villagers. The supply chain management which is the foremost cause for villagers

needs to be addressed.

Miyush Trehan

Take villagers into confidence

The carcass plant, which was constructed at a cost of Rs 7.98 crore under the smart city project at Noorpur village, district Ludhiana, has been lying shut for the past three years. It is the third plant in the country after Jodhpur and Delhi. Its project has been completed but did not run because of the opposition of the villages. They have an opinion that this carcass will spread a foul smell up to 6 km. It will be a serious health risk for people living in the vicinity. Secondly, the residuals of the animals will be thrown into the Sutlej, thus polluting it. If the administration wants to run the carcass plant, they will have to ensure the people of the villages that their doubts are baseless. If they are able to remove the doubts of the villagers, the carcass plant can be opened.

Sucha Singh Sagar

Run the plant on pilot basis

This is longstanding issue could only be solved with the cooperation from local people. For this meetings can be organised with the residents to discuss their concerns and inform them about the potential benefits of the plant. In such meetings some influential and famous people can also be invited to inform people about the plant’s operations. Other than this the carcass utilisation plant can start with a small-scale, pilot version of the plant to demonstrate its safety and effectiveness. If successful, then they can gradually scale up operation. In this way people will be well informed about the plant and they might not resist it then. Immediate efforts must be taken as this project has already delayed a lot.

Sukhman kaur

Unrest among 10 villages

Carcass utilisation plant which set up at the cost of Rs 7.98 crore became a concern for the authorities as people living near by opposing it. The MC officially said that they tried to start the plant on May 13, 2022 , Dec 12, 2022 but failed as because the news of plant’s opening had laid unrest among residents of at least 10 neighbourhood villages including Rasulpur Patti, Noorpur Bet and many others. Local residents had been protesting the move as they are expressing health and environment concerns. Authorities resumed operations in the plant from January 15 to January 25 but had to close it down because of people’s protest. Even, MP Ravneet Singh Bittu also supported the protesting residents. For solving this issue, authorities should look upon the issue of health of local villagers as it is a very important concern. They should also act on the smell related issues. Authorities should look for a vacant big place where there will be no problem for residents. Regarding this, the district administration recently initiated deliberations on the proposal to shift the carcass plant from Noorpur village because of resistance of residents. For this, they inspected a piece of vacant land in Ladowal for inspection.

NEHA RUMPAL

Offer compensation to ease tensions

First, initiate open dialogue with the residents to understand and address their concerns, such as potential health risks and environmental impacts. An independent environmental impact assessment should be conducted and its findings shared transparently. I recommend implementing advanced odour control and safety measures to mitigate community concerns. Additionally, offering compensation, infrastructure upgrades or other benefits could help ease tensions. If opposition remains strong, consider redesigning the plant to reduce its impact or explore relocation options. Mediation could also be a useful tool in finding a compromise that satisfies all parties.

Tamanna Verma

Multifaceted approach required

Resolving the issue of the unused carcass utilisation plant requires a multifaceted approach that balances community concerns with public health and environmental needs. Initiate open dialogues with the residents to understand their concerns. Often, resistance stems from fears about health, odors, pollution, or property devaluation. Conduct awareness programs to inform residents about the plant’s design, safety measures, and the importance of proper carcass disposal. Highlighting the environmental and public health benefits can help alleviate fears. Commission an independent environmental impact assessment to address the residents’ concerns. If the plant meets safety and environmental standards, the findings can be used to reassure the community. Share the results of this assessment publicly and allow residents to ask questions and seek clarifications. Taking a collaborative approach that involves residents, experts, and authorities will increase the chances of resolving the issue while ensuring the plant can be utilised effectively.

Give villagers a tour of plant

The stiff resistance by residents to the setup of a modern scientifically designed carcass utilisation plant is due to social concerns and misconceptions about foul smells. To address this, there is a need to raise awareness among local residents by organising a small campaign. Technical experts and local leaders should come together to explain the advantages of the carcass utilisation plant. It is essential to ensure that everyone in the area, regardless of age, gender, or occupation, participates in this campaign. Experts should listen to residents’ queries and concerns, debunk myths, and demonstrate the practical implications of the plant. Organising a small tour of the plant, where experts can thoroughly explain its operations, would be beneficial. Additionally, political and religious leaders should assure residents that they will not face any problems. This approach can help resolve the resistance to the plant.

Kirandeep Kaur

Hold Awareness campaigns

Awareness campaigns can dispel myths by providing clear, factual information about the plant’s purpose and safety measures. Public sessions, expert talks, and accessible materials will help residents understand the plant’s environmental safeguards and public health benefits. Transparent communication is crucial in dispelling misconceptions and fostering informed dialogue. Equally important are site visits to operational plants in other regions. These visits provide residents with an opportunity to observe advanced practices first-hand, engage directly with industry professionals, and hear from communities that have successfully integrated similar facilities.

Sahleen Kaur

QUESTION

The MC is on its toes after the NGT has imposed an environmental compensation of ~1,026 crore on the state government for improper disposal of legacy waste and untreated sewage in the state. What needs to be done to resolve the long-standing civic issue?

Suggestions in not more than 200 words can be sent to ludhianadesk@tribunemail.com by Thursday (Sept 5)