The Kunnukuzhy modern slaughterhouse in Thiruvananthapuram is yet to begin full-scale operations after inspections identified faults in its effluent treatment plant (ETP), the city corporation said. A meeting with the agencies involved in the project has been scheduled for Thursday to determine how the defects will be rectified.
Representatives of MR Farms, which holds the operation and maintenance contract, and Kerala Electrical and Allied Engineering Company (KEL), which executed the earlier work contract, are expected to attend the meeting at the corporation office. The discussion has been convened by the corporation’s health department wing.
The corporation’s engineering wing inspected the facility over the past week after concerns were raised about the functioning of the ETP. The inspection identified faults in the plant and is expected to examine the remaining work, responsibility for rectification and the steps required before the facility can be fully operational.
MR Farms has reportedly expressed its willingness to undertake the rectification work and complete the pending tasks, subject to an understanding with KEL over the defect identified in the system. The corporation is seeking to facilitate an agreement between the two agencies so that the work can be completed without another delay.
The ETP is a critical component of the slaughterhouse because wastewater generated during slaughtering must be treated before discharge. Its functioning is therefore linked to the facility’s environmental compliance and to the corporation’s ability to operate the slaughterhouse at full capacity.
M R Gopan, chairperson of the corporation’s health standing committee, said seven trial runs had been conducted at the facility and that its other systems were functioning satisfactorily. He identified the ETP as the only component requiring attention.
“The plan is to resolve the issue at the earliest, complete the remaining work and make the facility fully operational. The inspection has identified certain issues, and the meeting will discuss how to address them,” Gopan said.
The modern slaughterhouse has been awaiting full-scale operations while the corporation addresses concerns related to wastewater treatment and disposal. The outcome of Thursday’s meeting will determine the agency responsible for the corrective work and the timeline for completing it.
The corporation expects to resolve the matter and complete the rectification work within a short period. If the plan proceeds as intended, the Kunnukuzhy slaughterhouse is expected to become fully operational by next month.
