SC directs MCD to hasten work at Gazipur abattoir

New Delhi, May 16 (UNI) The Supreme Court today directed the MCD and the contractor to finalise the cost of modern slaughter house that is being constructed at Gazipur in East Delhi so that the work there may be resumed at the earliest.

A Bench comprising Justices Ashok Bhan, SB Sinha and AK Mathur also directed the MCD to return to the contractor the bank guarantee of Rs 25 crores and pay a cheque of Rs 10 crores within 30 days.

The court also directed the contractor M/s Food Processing Equipment Company Private Limited to pledge all the machinery to MCD.

Mr Vijay Panjwani counsel for Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) was directed by the court to keep an eye on the progress of the project.

Earlier, he told the court that MCD was not taking any decision.

The court adjourning the hearing till third week of July directed the contractor to complete the work within four months of the finalisation of the cost of project.

With today's direction the cost of project stands at Rs 127 crores.

The contractor was demanding Rs 150 crores while MCD was not willing to pay more than 113 crores, the cost calculated by an expert committee.

The work of the slaughter house had come to a standstill due to the differences between the MCD and the contractor.

Original cost of the project was Rs 65 crores which has gone up to Rs 150 crores and opposition party in MCD has already demanded a CBI enquiry into the scandal.

The modernized slaughter house was to replace outdated slaughter house at Idgah located in the congested area of ''walled city'' causing environmental pollution in the area.

UNI