Nuh residents protest as slaughterhouses multiply, citing pollution

Seven slaughterhouses are operational in Haryana's Nuh district, with five concentrated in the Nagina block. Locals say more than two dozen more are under construction, making the district a hub for abattoirs. The Haryana State Pollution Control Board confirmed eight had consent to operate, seven were functioning, and 23 had consent to establish.

Residents accuse the slaughterhouses of violating environmental norms, causing groundwater contamination, bad odour, and pest infestation. Leaders from the BJP and Congress, along with social activists and sarpanches, held a meeting on August 1 and submitted a memorandum to the authorities. BJP leader Azad Mohammad said the abattoirs had polluted the air and become a breeding ground for pests.

Mewat RTI Manch convenor Rajuddin Meo said owners are shifting from Uttar Pradesh because Nuh has cheap land, around Rs 25 lakh per acre, and is seen as a safe destination by Muslim owners. The pollution control board's regional officer said inspections will be conducted soon, and the board plans to frame siting norms to fix the distance of abattoirs from village settlements, schools, and highways.