HDMC installs CCTV cameras, deploys security to prevent cow slaughter

Dharwad: Acting on repeated complaints of alleged cow slaughter at the municipal abattoir and recent clashes between Hindu activists and slaughterhouse operators, the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has decided to step up security and surveillance at the facility to prevent violations.Chairing the general body meeting on Friday, mayor Jyothi Patil said frequent confrontations at the abattoir were a matter of concern and stressed the need to strictly enforce rules. She said the corporation would initiate action against anyone found violating regulations at the slaughterhouse.As part of its measures, HDMC will install 10 high-definition CCTV cameras on the abattoir premises and deploy five security personnel round the clock. The corporation has also decided to demolish any unauthorised structures allegedly being used for illegal slaughter activities.Earlier, corporator Shankar Shelke said the HDMC had previously warned slaughterhouse operators against illegal slaughter, but the instructions were not followed. He alleged that a group recently brought more than a dozen cows to the abattoir for slaughter. When Hindu activists reached the spot to intervene, a confrontation ensued, and the situation was brought under control only after HDMC officials and police intervened and rescued the animals.Shelke also alleged that several illegal meat shops had come up in the stretch from Bhusappa Chowk to Mankilla and demanded that they be demolished.Proposal to hike advocates' feesThe HDMC proposed a 30% increase in the remuneration of advocates on its legal panel. Floor leader Iresh Anchatgeri said the House had no objection to the hike but noted that several senior advocates often send junior lawyers to represent cases, which he claimed had affected outcomes. He suggested that accountability be fixed while revising the fee structure. HDMC commissioner Rudresh Ghali said that in the past five years, 475 cases had been filed in various courts, of which 328 had been disposed of. The corporation had won 183 cases, while 145 were decided in favour of the opposing parties. Responding to the discussion, mayor Patil urged panel advocates to handle cases diligently and ensure favourable outcomes for the corporation, warning that strict action would be taken against non-performance.Borewell maintenance concernsFormer mayor Ramappa Badiger sought clarification on which agency was responsible for maintaining borewells installed by the HDMC at public places, parks, schools and government hospitals. He said many borewells had become defunct due to lack of maintenance. The mayor directed the commissioner to consider entrusting borewell maintenance to the L&T company, which is responsible for supplying drinking water to the twin cities.Anganwadi land proposalDuring discussions on a proposal to allot HDMC land for an anganwadi centre in Dharwad, Anchatgeri pointed out that the identified site was located near puffed rice units. He said the smoke emitted from these units could cause respiratory problems, particularly among children, and demanded that the units be shut down before the land was allotted. In response, mayor Patil said she would visit the site along with the Commissioner and take a decision after an inspection.