Kochi’s long-awaited modern abattoir project remains mired in uncertainty, leaving the city’s civic body grappling with unresolved issues. The Kochi Corporation’s efforts to replace the outdated and environmentally hazardous abattoir at Kaloor have yet to materialise, despite several years of planning and promise.
The existing abattoir faced closure due to severe pollution problems, with untreated waste being dumped into a nearby canal, a violation that prompted the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to intervene and shut down operations. In response, the Kochi Corporation enlisted a private contractor to rectify the issues and secure necessary clearances. The contractor made the required improvements at their own expense, as stipulated by the KSPCB.
Currently, the abattoir operates under the temporary management of the contractor, with permissions renewed quarterly. This ad hoc arrangement has persisted for over a year, highlighting the pressing need for a permanent solution. The Health Standing Committee chairperson of the Kochi Corporation emphasised that only a new, state-of-the-art facility could adequately address the city’s needs and comply with environmental regulations Efforts to establish a new abattoir have been ongoing for nearly seven years. Despite receiving approval and funding of ₹14.29 crore from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) along with support for 11 other civic bodies, progress has stalled. The responsibility for advancing this project now lies with IMPACT Kerala, a Special Purpose Vehicle under the Local Self-Government department.
This week, the Kochi Corporation council is scheduled to review a proposal to renew the contractor’s temporary management contract. However, with officials from IMPACT Kerala unavailable for comment, the future of the modern abattoir project remains uncertain As the city awaits a resolution, the delay in establishing a new abattoir continues to pose health and environmental challenges, underscoring the urgent need for a definitive and sustainable solution.
