After years of delays, SMC to build J&K’s first modern mechanised abattoir in Srinagar
Srinagar, Aug 1: After years of administrative delays and repeated changes in the executing agency, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has finally taken over the construction of Jammu and Kashmir’s first modern mechanised sheep and goat abattoir at Allochi Bagh, paving the way for the long-pending project to be completed within the next two years.
SMC Commissioner, Fazlul Haseeb told news agency Kashmir Dot Com, that the civic body has floated the project on Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode for the establishment of the “Modern Mechanized Sheep & Goat Abattoir in Srinagar City”, a facility designed to process 5,000 sheep and goats daily, making it one of the largest such facilities in the Jammu and Kashmir.
Haseeb said that the project aims to modernise Srinagar’s meat processing infrastructure by replacing conventional slaughtering practices with a hygienic, scientific and environmentally sustainable system conforming to national standards and international best practices.
The project has witnessed multiple setbacks since its inception.
Initially, its execution was entrusted to the Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC), which had even begun preliminary civil works several years ago. In March 2022, JKPCC had reported that the foundation work for the slaughter hall was in progress and was directed to expedite execution.
However, following the financial closure and cessation of JKPCC’s operations in August 2023, the project came to a standstill. Although its execution was later transferred to the R&B, officials said the project witnessed negligible physical progress.
The prolonged delay had also attracted public attention. Earlier reports highlighted that the proposed modern abattoir had remained incomplete for years despite repeated assurances, leaving Srinagar without a modern slaughtering facility. Work on the project also came under judicial monitoring in a Public Interest Litigation relating to slaughterhouses in Jammu and Kashmir.
Following a comprehensive review, SMC decided to execute the project directly through its own Works Division under the EPC mode, ensuring single-point responsibility for design, procurement, construction, installation, testing and commissioning.
SMC said a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) was subsequently prepared after incorporating modern technologies and additional infrastructure required to meet contemporary standards of food safety, environmental protection and operational efficiency. The Government accorded administrative approval to the revised project in March 2025.
The proposed facility will include fully mechanised slaughtering and meat processing lines, scientifically designed lairage areas, mechanised slaughter halls, carcass dressing units, chilling and cold storage facilities, by-product processing units and supporting utility infrastructure.
One of the key features of the project will be an advanced bio-digestion system integrated with a modern Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), enabling scientific treatment of slaughterhouse waste and recycling of treated wastewater for non-potable uses within the premises. Officials said the system has been designed to minimise environmental pollution, promote water conservation and eliminate unhygienic disposal practices.
SMC said the project would significantly improve public health and sanitation while strengthening the livestock sector by providing a modern, organised processing system for farmers, meat traders and consumers.
Besides creating direct and indirect employment during construction and operation, the facility is expected to introduce internationally accepted standards in slaughterhouse management, food safety, waste disposal and hygiene, setting a benchmark for future meat processing infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.
According to SMC, the project is expected to be completed within two years, after which the mechanised abattoir will be commissioned for public use. (KDC)
