Shillong, March 9: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Prestone Tynsong today inaugurated the first Multi-Species Modern Abattoir of the State at Mawiong, Shillong in the presence of the local MLA and Opposition Chief Whip, Shri P. T. Sawkmie, Additional Chief Secretary, Shri K. N. Kumar, Secretary, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, Dr. Manjunatha C, DGM-NABARD, Shri S. D. Rohila, Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, Dr. C. Shilla, Vice President, Khasi Jaintia Butchers Welfare Association, Shri G. Warlarpih among others.
In his inaugural address, Shri Tynsong said with the functioning of the abattoir here in Mawiong, the people of the city will now get quality and hygienic meat which would be checked by veterinarians to ensure the safety of the slaughtered animal for human consumption.
To ameliorate the environmental pollution from the abattoir, the Deputy Chief Minister has informed that the common facilities and utilities such as Effluent Treatment Facilities (ETF) was included in this project for scientifically managing the solid and liquid waste that emanate from the activity of the abattoir which will be treated within the project site.
Shri Tynsong stated that the food habits of the people of Meghalaya and the demand for meat in the State throughout the year is very high which established the viability for the people to take livestock rearing as a full time occupation.
Earlier, Dr. (Mrs) W. Challam in her introductory speech has informed that the Multi-Species Modern Abattoir was started by the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department in the year 2010, sanction by the National Agricultural Bank for Rural Development (NABARD), under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund with a budget of Rs. 2167.20 lakhs and has a capacity of slaughtering 240 cattle, 240 pigs and 160 goats per day.
For commissioning of the plant the members of the Khasi Jaintia Butchers Welfare Association were provided with an orientation and training programme to enable them to work in the improved hygienic environment of the new facility, added Dr. Challam.
Others who spoke on the occasion were Shri P. T. Sawkmie, local MLA, Dr. Manjunatha C, Secretary Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, Shri S. D. Rohila, DGM-NABARD, Dr. C. Shilla, Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department and Shri G. Warlarpih, Vice President, Khasi Jaintia Butchers Welfare Association.
