Ahmedabad Municipal Chief Cancels Rs 32 Crore Slaughterhouse Proposal After BJP MLA's Opposition
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has officially withdrawn a Rs 32 crore allocation for a new slaughterhouse from its 2026-27 draft budget, following strong objections from a local BJP MLA. This decision has ignited a heated exchange between political representatives, highlighting tensions over urban development and ideological stances in Gujarat's largest city.
Budget Provision Rolled Back Amid Political Pressure
In the Rs 17,018 crore draft budget presented for the 2026-27 fiscal year, Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani had announced plans to construct a modern slaughterhouse in the Shahwadi-Behrampura area, spanning 15,882 square metres. The proposal aimed to relocate the existing facility outside the city center, with an estimated cost of Rs 32 crore. The modernized facility was designed to include round-the-clock medical services, antemortem inspection rooms, chilling infrastructure, air-conditioned transport vehicles for animals, and specialized units for both small and large cattle. Additionally, it featured a rendering plant and an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) to manage waste and blood disposal, ensuring environmental compliance and enhanced hygiene standards.
BJP MLA's Ideological Objection Sparks Controversy
Soon after the budget presentation, BJP MLA from Ellisbridge, Amit Shah, voiced strong opposition to the plan, claiming it conflicted with his party's principles. In a written communication to the municipal commissioner, Shah, a former mayor, demanded the withdrawal of the allocation before the budget's finalization by the Standing Committee. He emphasized his personal and ideological stance, stating, "I am a Jain and the Mayor too is a Jain. This is against our ideology." Shah recounted a similar proposal from 2007 during his mayoral tenure, which he rejected, arguing that modernization would increase slaughter capacity significantly, from 100 to 500 cattle daily, a prospect he opposed.
Congress MLA Accuses BJP of Double Standards
In response, Congress MLA from Jamalupur-Khadia, Imran Khedawala, clarified that he had only advocated for relocating the existing slaughterhouse from near the Jagannath Temple area, not for establishing a new one. He accused the BJP of hypocrisy, stating, "This clearly shows the double standard of the BJP which says one thing and does the other." Khedawala highlighted that the current facility does not meet Central Pollution Control Board guidelines and stressed the need for a hygienic setup, especially with Ahmedabad hosting international sports events. He noted that the proposed slaughterhouse adhered to Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal directives, with tenders already issued for its development.
Municipal Commissioner Clarifies Decision
Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani explained that the draft budget proposal focused on shifting the existing slaughterhouse from the city core to an external location, rather than creating a new facility. He confirmed the withdrawal in writing to the Standing Committee, citing requests against the proposal. Pani added, "The decision has been taken after a request was received against the proposal." This move underscores the influence of local political dynamics on municipal planning and budget allocations in Ahmedabad.
Broader Implications for Urban Governance
The controversy reflects broader issues in urban governance, where infrastructure projects often become entangled in political and ideological debates. The rollback of the slaughterhouse plan raises questions about balancing modernization with community sentiments and environmental standards. As Ahmedabad prepares for future international events, the need for compliant and hygienic facilities remains a critical concern, yet political opposition has stalled progress in this instance. This episode serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between development goals and local politics in Indian cities.
