Locals cry foul over proliferation of slaughterhouses in Haryana’s Nuh

Seven slaughterhouses are operational in Haryana’s Nuh, with the maximum five situated in the district’s Nagina block. Another two dozen are likely to be set up soon with the land having been purchased and their buildings under construction, making Nuh the hub of slaugtherhouses. 
Though these slaughterhouses have created job opportunities for the youth in this Meo Muslim-dominated district, one of India’s most backward areas, the locals are now gradually turning against these for more than one reasons. Accusing the slaughterhouses of functioning in violation of the environmental norms leading to groundwater contamination and unpleasant odour, the locals argue that the abattoirs are also a source of pest infestation, which has led to fears of outbreak of diseases in a region already grappling with sanitation issues.
Cutting across party lines, the leaders from various political outfits, including the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress, along with social activists and sarpanches convened a meeting in Nuh’s grains market on August 1 raising their voice against the growing number of abattoirs.
BJP leader and former Minister Azad Mohammad said that the slaughterhouses were a major issue for the Ferozepur Jhirka Assembly constituency because of their growing numbers. He stressed that despite being a member of the ruling party, he opposed these as they have polluted the region’s air and become a breeding ground for pests.
The gathering also submitted a memorandum to the local administration for the Chief Minister, Home Minister and the Prime Minister.
Mewat RTI Manch convenor Rajuddin Meo, who has been actively involved in the protests, said the slaughterhouses relocated from Uttar Pradesh were gradually shifting their base to Nuh. “As many owners of these slaughterhouses are Muslims, they find Nuh a safe destination to set up their business. Also, the land in Nuh is the cheapest in the National Capital Region, with the latest circle rate of around ₹25 lakh per acre,” said Mr. Rajuddin.

He added that the locals want a ban on more licences to slaughterhouses in the region already battling water scarcity. He said many are being set up within a few meters of the village abadi area, causing inconvenience to the residents.
Regional Officer, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Nuh, Akansha Tanwar told The Hindu that eight abattoirs were granted “Consent to Operate”, but only seven were functioning and 23 more were already granted the “Consent to Establish” and were under construction. She added no new “No Objection Certificates” were granted during her tenure, but six NOCs were granted in 2023. “There are no specific parameters for setting up abattoirs to determine their optimal location. After the opposition, we are now planning to frame siting parameters to fix their distance from village abadi, schools and highways. Also, inspections would soon be conducted to ensure that they adhere to all norms,” said Ms. Tanwar.