SC flays MCD for Ghazipur abattoir

New Delhi, May 4 (UNI) The Central Pollution Control Borad (CPCB) today informed the Supreme Court that the status quo is being maintained at the modernised abattoir coming up at Ghazipur in east Delhi to replace the outdated and unhygienic slaughter house at Idgah.

A bench comprising Justice Ashok Bhan, Justice S B Sinha and Justice A K Mathur, while adjourning the hearing till Tuesday, told the MCD that ''you have messed up the whole thing''.

The court also told the counsel for MCD ''If you cannot complete (the work) we will appoint our own agency.'' The court was also informed that third part of machinary, which has been imported from Germany, was awaiting clearnce at the customs.

CPCB counsel Vijay Panjwani also informed the court that the MCD says it would take another 6 months to instal an effluent treatment plant and currently no work was being carried out at the site.

Meanwhile, the court dircted the MCD to file an affidavit giving details of payment it made to the contartor so far and also told the civic body to file response to the CPCB by Monday.

The court did not accept MCD'S contention that it was a turn-key project and there was no first, second or third part as being claimed by the contractor.

The Supreme Court has fixed June 30 as the deadline for completion of the project.

The cost of the project has already gone up from Rs 65 crore to Rs 186 crore and the court squarely blamed the civic body fort the loss.

The court again warned the MCD that ''if you don't behave your officers shall be in trouble''.

The apex court is monitering the progress of the abattoir.

UNI AKS SC HT1235