Key Update

With hundreds of meat and fish shops operating illegally across the city, the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated plans to establish Bihar’s first large-scale modern slaughterhouse to regulate the meat trade and improve hygiene standards. At present, no major government-owned licensed slaughterhouse functions within PMC limits.

The civic body has floated a tender to appoint an agency for the project, which will be developed under the design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) model. The bidding process will close on May 21. The proposed facility will process around 350 goats and chickens daily during six hours of operation.

Focus on Hygiene and Scientific Processing

PMC Commissioner Yashpal Meena said the project aims to ensure scientific meat processing, proper waste management, and compliance with hygiene and environmental standards. He added that the municipal corporation wants to streamline the meat supply chain, curb illegal practices, and create a cleaner, safer, and more organised urban environment for residents.

The move comes amid a statewide ban on the open sale of meat and fish in urban areas. PMC has also intensified surveys and licence verification drives across its six circles.

Illegal Shops Under Scanner

According to PMC records, 1,420 meat and fish shops currently operate within city limits. Of these, authorities have declared 937 shops illegal, while only 90 possess valid licences. The civic body has issued notices to 1,234 shop owners, directing them to renew existing licences or obtain fresh approvals under municipal regulations.

The enforcement drive revealed widespread violations across the city. Patliputra Circle reported 290 illegal shops, while New Capital Circle identified 288 unauthorised establishments. Authorities also found numerous illegal meat shops in Kankarbagh, Bankipur, Azimabad, and Patna City circles.

Modern Facility with Waste Management Systems

Officials said the proposed slaughterhouse will operate in a closed environment and include separate goat and chicken abattoirs, a blood processing plant with a seven-kilolitre daily feed capacity, and an effluent treatment plant capable of handling 120 cubic metres of waste every day.

The facility will also feature animal resting zones, ante-mortem inspection areas, hanging systems for carcasses, and an on-site laboratory. To maintain food safety standards, operators will transport carcasses in insulated vehicles to registered shops.

Source: The Times of India