STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: In recent times, the rise of inconspicuous sellers of meat has been a source of concern for both the authorities and the consumers.
Although the government regulation states that culling can be done only in certified slaughterhouses, many meat sellers deny it and sell the item. This not only breaks the regulations set forth by the authorities but also raises health concerns. The authorities informed that they have taken action against such sellers in the region, including the seizure of the meat and the imposition of heavy penalties. GMC (Guwahati Municipal Corporation) has seized many licences and collected Rs 2, 66,000 in the last three months.
But the demand for fresh meat has been a major reason why these businesses continue to run in the city. The authorities have now announced that they will continue their action against such businesses and have asked the public to procure meat only from those sellers who get their supplies from certified slaughterhouses.
The GMC Veterinary Officer Kailash Chamua said, "According to the GMC Slaughter House Act, if the rules are not followed, a fine of up to Rs 25,000 will be imposed, and if regulations are violated repeatedly, a fine of Rs 1 lakh will be imposed. Also, six months of imprisonment will be sentenced if any major violation is caught."
The officer also added, "To let people know that the meat is from a slaughterhouse, a stamp with the slip from the slaughterhouse has to be fixed with one of the legs of the goat which the butcher keeps hanging for sale."
The Veterinary Branch, GMC, and Assam Police inspected a drive-on poultry, fish, and mutton shop at Kahilipara Road, Jatia, Narkasur, Dakhingaon, Sawkuchi, Nalapara, Beharbari Charali, Basistha, and Patharkuchi areas on Friday. During the time of inspection, 67 Mutton, Poultry, and Fish Shops were inspected; one poultry shop was sealed and imposed a penalty of Rs. 43,000.
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