In a significant move to ensure public health and address long-standing civic issues, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has embarked on a major modernisation project for the Saidapet slaughterhouse. The foundation stone for this ₹20.19 crore initiative was laid on Thursday, marking the start of a transformation promised to deliver safer meat and a cleaner neighbourhood.
A Modern Facility for Enhanced Capacity and Safety
The revamped facility, slated for completion in November, is designed to handle large volumes efficiently. It will be capable of processing up to 700 goats at a single time, utilising 105 holding pens and an expansive 8,600 square feet processing unit. In a nod to diverse community practices, the slaughterhouse will accommodate both jhatka and halal methods of slaughter.
"The modernised slaughterhouse will ensure the meat sold is on par with the highest public health and safety standards," stated Tamil Nadu's Health Minister, Ma Subramanian. The project directly responds to years of complaints from residents concerning poor sanitation and persistent odour problems from the previously ill-maintained site.
Focus on Environment and Supply Chain
A cornerstone of the new design is its emphasis on environmental management. To tackle wastewater, a seven-kilolitres per day (KLD) effluent treatment plant will be installed on the campus. Operational water needs will be met by a dedicated 7,000-litre water tank. The modernisation also looks at waste-to-wealth, with plans to send hides and other usable by-products to relevant industries, creating an additional revenue stream.
To strengthen the supply chain from processing to plate, the facility includes:
- Packaging and preservation units, including cold storage.
- Eight retail shops for direct sale to consumers.
- A dedicated veterinary inspection unit and a separate room for veterinarians to rigorously monitor animal health and meat safety.
Welcomed by Residents with a Note of Caution
The long-awaited modernisation has been welcomed by the local community in Saidapet, where the facility had suffered from neglect for over a decade. G Sivakumar, a resident of Jothiammal Nagar in Saidapet, echoed a common sentiment, saying, "Authorities must ensure the facility is well maintained this time." The project represents a critical step by the civic body to upgrade urban infrastructure, prioritising public health, environmental sustainability, and better community living standards.
