Although the High Court made an observation six months ago on lack of legislation to regulate setting up of chicken stalls, the Government is yet to take any concrete action.
The observation was made in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking incorporation of chicken stalls in the Kerala Panchayat Raj (Slaughter houses and meat stalls) Rules.
At present, only slaughterhouses are restricted by the Kerala Panchayat Raj (Slaughter houses and meat stalls) Rules, 1996. As such, there is no mechanism for proper regulation of chicken stalls, according to M.K. Haridas, one of the petitioners in the case.
Rules
The rules, as amended in 1999, prescribes that slaughterhouses should be set up at a minimum distance of 90 metres from houses and 30 metres from public roads. Prior consent of neighbours and a valid licence are also required. And there is a provision to call for objections that have to be duly considered. In fact, the panchayat has to approve of the location of meat stalls and violators can be penalised.
In the absence of specific mention of chicken stalls in the rules, several panchayats have been granting licences to stalls where chicken are killed, dressed and sold. Some stalls are functioning without any licence at all, according to K. Raj, an advocate.
Unhygienic conditions
Many chicken-processing centres function in an unhygienic manner and waste from the stalls is often dumped in a crude way or just thrown in public places. The situation has reportedly given rise to health hazards in several places.
As there are no rules and regulations binding centres where chicken and other birds are killed, dressed and sold, several stalls are functioning in residential areas or on the side of roads where there is heavy traffic.
Waste management
The Government has asked local self-Government bodies to take suitable steps to prevent dumping of waste from slaughterhouses and poultry stalls (Circular No.3268/G3/04 issued on 19.1.04). According to this, slaughterhouses and stalls should have their own system for waste management. Licences of outlets from where the waste material is dumped in public places can be cancelled.
To those who take chicken, stalls in the vicinity may not pose a major problem. But what about vegetarians and others who do not relish meat at all? How can they be made to bear the foul smell, asks Mr. Haridas, who is preparing himself for another battle for justice.
