Law Amendment Discussion: Kathmandu Valley Mayors Raise Concerns Over Slaughterhouse Implementation

Kathmandu. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment held discussions with the chiefs of local levels in the Kathmandu Valley, announcing new regulations from December 1. The discussion revolved around the 'Slaughterhouse and Meat Inspection Act, 2055', enacted approximately three decades ago. The government is currently making intensive preparations to implement this Act. Accordingly, Agriculture Minister Gita Chaudhary and Ministry Secretary Dr. Rajendra Mishra were present in a discussion on Monday with the representatives of the Valley to address potential issues during implementation.

Speaking at the discussion, Lalitpur Metropolitan Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan, who is also the Chairman of the Valley Mayors' Forum, stated that while there would be no problem in implementing the Act, it would be impossible to construct slaughterhouses as envisioned in the Act within the Valley. 'Small slaughterhouses can be managed, but the concept of slaughterhouses envisioned in the Act is simply not possible in the Valley. There is no land for it in the Valley,' Mayor Maharjan said during the discussion. He demanded that while local levels are fully prepared for meat inspection, the federal and provincial governments should provide technical support.