PMC begins citywide survey to geotag meat, fish shops

Patna: The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated a citywide survey to geotag all permanent and temporary meat and fish shops, following directives from the Urban Development and Housing Department (UDHD).Municipal Commissioner Yashpal Meena said on Sunday that teams have begun tracking these establishments to ensure compliance with the UDHD’s directives.He said there are approximately 200 temporary and permanent meat shops currently operating under the PMC’s jurisdiction. “All meat shops that are being identified across the six circles have been asked to apply for a licence by Wednesday. If that is not done, they will be removed,” Meena said. He added that street vendors are also being tracked, and they will face removal if they fail to comply with the guidelines.To regulate these businesses, the PMC is finalising a new regulatory framework. Meena added, “The PMC is in the process of preparing an SOP regarding the cleanliness and operation of meat and fish shops within the municipality.”Preliminary data shared by the PMC indicate that the New Capital circle has 10 licensed meat shops, and Patliputra has seven. PMC sources said there is a wide gap between the number of licensed shops and unlicensed ones functioning throughout the city.According to the directive, meat and fish shops must adhere to hygiene standards and ensure proper waste disposal. Furthermore, shops must install barriers, including curtains or tinted glass, to ensure that meat products are not visible to the public.