This Ramzan, shortage of meat hits livelihood of 50,000 in Mumbai

MUMBAI: With the BMC-run Deonar abattoir shut since the coronavirus lockdown, meat supply to the city has been severely hit. If Ramzan delicacies are not the same due to the absence of meat, around 50,000 people dependent on the business face starvation. Some traders said if the abattoir is not at least partially opened soon, they would be forced to stage a protest defying the lockdown.
Meat comprises a major part of iftar delicacies in the holy month of Ramzan but this year popular dishes such as keema, kofta and kebabs are almost off the table as chicken is not a good substitute for these. The few shops that sell mutton do so at an exorbitant price—the Rs 450 per kg rate before the lockdown has now increased to Rs 800.
“We have been requesting the Deonar slaughterhouse authorities to at least open the abattoir partially and allow the traders from within the state to bring animals here. We are ready to follow all the health guidelines. If goats are sold and bought at Deonar, the price of mutton will come down,” said Shaikh Abdur Rahman Abdullah of Mumbai Sheep and Goat Brokers’ Association.
However, Deonar abattoir’s general manager Dr Yogesh Shetye said trading at the slaughterhouse cannot be allowed for two reasons.
“The slaughterhouse falls under an area declared a red zone because of being a hotspot for coronavirus. We cannot risk the spread of the contagious disease. Secondly, transportation of animals from outside the state is not allowed. Given the scenario, we cannot allow crowding at the abattoir,” said Dr Sheyte.
He further said that on normal days, around 200 buffaloes and 300 goats and sheep are slaughtered at the abattoir.
All India Jamaitul Qureish’s president (Mumbai) Gulrez Qureishi said there are several traders in the state who want to sell their animals but are unable to do so, incurring a huge loss. “The livelihood of around 50,000 people is threatened. Our families are dependent on this business. We will be forced to stage a protest if it is not allowed at least partially. If chicken and vegetables are allowed to be sold, why not meat?” asked Qureishi