The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): In a significant declaration to the National Green Tribunal, the central government has stated that bringing slaughterhouses and meat processing operations under the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification of 2006 is unnecessary. This decision comes amidst concerns over environmental regulations, as authorities assert that existing measures are adequate for environmental management of these facilities.
Gauri Maulekhi, a fervent advocate for animal rights, had last year petitioned the tribunal to mandate the inclusion of these units within the EIA’s framework, citing major concerns such as the hefty consumption of water, the mishandling of waste which leads to water pollution, and the potential spread of diseases from deceased animals.
Responding to this, the Union Environment Ministry presented a report from a specially appointed eight-member team, established in August of the preceding year. This report articulated that the current guidelines and protective measures are sufficiently regulating the environmental impact of slaughterhouses and meat processing units, negating the need for their inclusion under the EIA, 2006.
The EIA Notification serves as a preliminary step in evaluating the environmental consequences of proposed projects, taking into account various factors including socio-economic, cultural, and public health considerations prior to making any decisions.
The ministry highlighted the competency of the existing regulatory system, monitored by various authorities such as district magistrates, pollution control boards, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in managing environmental concerns associated with these units.
It was pointed out that the core issue lies in the enforcement of already existing regulations rather than the inclusion of these units under the EIA’s purview. The ministry indicated that the plea’s concerns predominantly involve unorganized sectors of this industry, with recommendations focusing on the modernization and regulation of such entities.
Illegal operations, particularly those slaughtering up to nine animals, have been identified as causing considerable environmental harm, necessitating enhanced regulation and oversight. Recommendations include urging the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to work closely with state-level committees to target illegal operations, encouraging their shift towards organized and modern practices.
Moreover, the report suggests that transforming these unregulated slaughterhouses into modern facilities would not only benefit the environment but also promote ‘zero waste emitting’ practices. It calls for state and central funding to aid in the modernization and expansion efforts to curb illegal slaughtering activities. Prioritizing infrastructure improvement, especially in waste management, is deemed crucial.
Additionally, the FSSAI is urged to step up its inspection efforts, ensuring licenses are granted only to those facilities that meet both food safety standards and pollution norms, thereby enhancing the overall regulatory framework for these units.
