Spot Report by Daijiworld Correspondent
Mangalore, Mar 24: The slaughterhouse at Kudroli now has company!
It was for the second time that the Mangalore City Corporation passed a resolution to construct a new slaughterhouse at Kannur on Wednesday, March 22. (This Kannur is a suburb of Mangalore past Padil on the way to Farangipet and Bantwal Cross Road, and should not be mistaken for similarly-spelt Kannur in Kerala, formerly known as Cannanore.)
Although the first reaction would be that the region would now get a well-planned slaughterhouse which would reduce the load from the Kudroli slaughterhouse, Kannur does not seem to be the right place for the slaughterhouse.
Sources from the Karnataka Urban Development and Coastal Environment Management Project (KUDCEMP) have informed that Kannur was identified to be suitable for setting up a slaughterhouse as it is on the outskirts of Mangalore city. But is that the only criterion?
Several problems haunt the Kudroli slaughterhouse including bad sanitation, lack of proper waste disposal system, unhealthy surroundings, stench etc. Situated in a residential area, the operations in the slaughterhouse have been reported to be unscientific.
Will history repeat even in the case of Kannur slaughterhouse?
A picturesque view from Kannur, from close to the highway. Will this water be polluted? (Pic Geekay)
An overview of the region would bring to light certain elements which need serious attention.
Kannur, which is situated on the banks of river Netravati has several low-lying areas which are flooded during the rainy season. Further, it is an area which is also populated and soon will be an extension of the Mangalore City. The third element is that the region has public places including schools, a dargah and temples.
More than all, Kannur is situated on the busy National Highway 48, with hectic traffic almost round the clock. A partially operating commercial tax checkpost also is causing a long line-up of parked heavy vehicles on the way.
Will a slaughterhouse fit in or provide a near-slaughter experience to the residents of Kannur?
A local trader, while speaking to this correspondent, expressed the fear that the waste disposal would not be foolproof thereby resulting in the pollution of the near Netravati river.
The plan to shift the slaughterhouse to Kannur has also evoked mixed responses. At the special meet of the city council corporator Shankar Bhat opposed the shifting, stating that the contractor and the traders must also be involved in the discussion on the shifting.
Leading the other school of thought was corporator Vishwanath who opposed this, while also raising his voice against killing of animals.
The much-required renovation of the Kudroli slaughterhouse has been sanctioned. An amount of Rs 3 lac will be spent on the slaughterhouse which has been taken over by the Bajrang Dal for an annual tender of Rs 8 lac.