Srinagar, Aug 11 — Seventeen years after the Government of India approved the construction of two modern slaughterhouses — one each in Srinagar and Jammu — the projects remain incomplete, raising serious questions over governance, planning, and political will in Jammu and Kashmir.
The initiative, launched by the Ministry of Agriculture in 2008, was meant to modernise meat processing, ensure hygiene, and prevent the sale of unsafe mutton and chicken. For Srinagar, land was initially identified at Aloochibagh, work allotted, and execution even started. However, the Education Department later claimed the site belonged to a school, halting progress.
Despite partial fund release from the Centre, successive governments failed to revive the plan. Insiders allege political interference and vested interests, claiming certain leaders wanted to “grab” control of the abattoirs through the backdoor.
Experts say that if these modern, scientifically maintained abattoirs had been established, there would be no scope for the rampant sale and storage of rotten meat now plaguing the Valley.
Food safety advocates have called for setting up such abattoirs in all district headquarters and imposing a complete ban on open slaughter and import of dressed mutton and chicken.
With the recent seizure of over 3,000 kilograms of rotten meat in Kashmir, many view this crisis as entirely man-made — the result of prolonged inaction, policy failure, and ignored public health priorities.
