Shillong, Mar 9: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong inaugurated the first Multi-Species Modern Abattoir at Mawlai Mawïong on Saturday.

Mawlai MLA, who is also the Opposition Chief Whip, P.T. Sawkmie, Additional Chief Secretary, K. N. Kumar, Secretary, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, Dr. Manjunatha C, DGM-NABARD, S. D. Rohila, Director Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Dr. C. Shilla, Vice President, Khasi Jaiñtia Butchers Welfare Association, G. Warlarpih among others were present on the occasion.

In his address, Tynsong said that with the functioning of the abattoir, the people of the city will now get quality and hygienic meat which would be checked by veterinarians to ensure safety of the slaughtered animal for human consumption.

To ameliorate the environmental pollution from the abattoir, the Deputy Chief Minister 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 emanated from the activity of the abattoir which will be treated within the project site.

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 informed that the Multi-Species Modern Abattoir was started by the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department in 2010, sanctioned by the National Agricultural Bank for Rural Development (NABARD), under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund with a budget of Rs. 2167.20 lakh and has a capacity of slaughtering 240 cattle, 240 pigs and 160 goats per day.

Dr. Challam said that to commission the plant, members of the Khasi Jaiñtia 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.