Ravangla, January 28: A coordination meeting to address public complaints on improper handling and transportation of meat was held on Wednesday at New Market, Ravangla, under the chairmanship of Saran D. Kalikotey, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Ravangla.
The meeting was attended by officials including the Block Development Officer, Station House Officer of Ravangla Police Station, representatives from the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Department, Urban Development Department, elected panchayat members of 51-Ravang Barfung GPU, members of the Business Committee, meat stall owners, and representatives of the local business community.
The main agenda was to address complaints regarding blood spillage in public areas due to improper packaging and transport of meat. Welcoming the participants, the President of the Ravangla Bazaar Business Committee highlighted concerns raised jointly by the committee and local residents and called for practical solutions.
Following an open discussion, the meeting unanimously adopted resolutions that will be strictly enforced. Meat stall owners must transport meat with proper packaging to prevent spillage in public places, including footpaths, the main bazaar area, and the New Market complex. Transporting meat in doko has been strictly prohibited. All meat transportation must be completed by 6:00 a.m. daily, including Sundays (Haat Day).
Further, the sale of meat by hanging on hooks has been banned in line with departmental guidelines. Meat stall owners were also directed to maintain clean and hygienic conditions at all times, with violations attracting action as per prescribed norms.
ALSO READ: LB Das Chairs Meeting on IRCON-Related Damages in Rangpo Belt, Orders Joint Inspection
All meat stall owners present agreed to comply with the directives. The SDM warned that non-compliance could lead to penalties, including cancellation of licenses by the competent authority. He also informed that a proposal to shift meat stalls from their existing locations would be finalised in due course after consultations with Hon’ble MLAs and the general public.
