The operation of a slaughterhouse against the standards in Karekhola, Birendranagar Municipality-13 has caused problems for 600 households. Global LS Pro Agro Pvt. Ltd. has been operating the slaughterhouse near the residential area. Residents of Karekhola, Indrapur, Sitapur, and Devasthan have been facing daily difficulties due to the non-compliant operation of the facility. Locals report that foul odor, dirty wastewater, animal remains, and flies from the slaughterhouse have made their lives increasingly difficult. According to resident Bindu Subedi, the waste discharged from the slaughterhouse has led to an unpleasant smell spreading throughout the place. She mentioned that the blood, intestines, and decaying waste discarded after slaughtering buffaloes have severely affected the surrounding environment. She also stated that due to the foul odor, flies have spread making it difficult for people to eat comfortably.
Another resident, Krishna Nepali, stated that the operation of the slaughterhouse near the settlement put the places at risk of disease. He added that the problem worsens during the monsoon, as the waste flowing from the slaughterhouse pollutes the nearby stream, increasing the risk of waterborne infections. According to him, during the summer season, the odor spreads across the residential areas with the wind. The patient load at the local health facility has been increasing daily, according to Amar Bahadur Sunar, in charge of the Jarbuta Health Post in Ward 13. He stated that around 30 to 40 patients visit daily. Sunar noted that most patients suffer from diarrhea, stomach issues, fever, skin allergies, respiratory problems, and stomach infections. He added that the polluted environment and poor drinking water conditions are the main contributing factors. Additionally, children and senior citizens have been the most affected by the unhealthy conditions caused by the slaughterhouse. He also warned that waste and pollution could lead to the spread of seasonal and viral diseases in the community.
According to Dipendra Koirala, Chairperson of Ward No. 13, the issue has been repeatedly brought to the attention of the municipality and relevant authorities, but no response has been received. He explained that the ward does not have the authority to close the slaughterhouse. Koirala added that agencies responsible for residents’ living standards, health, and sanitation appear unaware or inactive regarding the matter. Despite multiple requests for proper management of the slaughterhouse, no significant action has been taken so far. Yagyaprasad Pandey, Chief of the Livestock Development Section at Birendranagar Municipality, said that the slaughterhouse is not operating according to the required standards. He stated that despite conducting joint monitoring and releasing a report in 2024 against the slaughterhouse being operated against regulations, no action was taken.
Lok Bahadur Thada, the current operator of the slaughterhouse, did not respond when approached for comment on the issue. When contacted with the former operator Sushil Devkota, he said that they completed all necessary procedures to continue the operation but the license remains pending. “I was the operator initially and later transferred responsibility to Lok Bahadur,” he stated. “The approval process went from the local community to the municipality, provincial agriculture directorate, and even received cabinet approval. However, the Department of Animal Services has yet to issue the license.
On World Environment Day, the Nepal Nazareth Society Navjyoti Center Surkhet held a public meeting in Birendranagar Municipality-13, where locals voiced the issue directly with Ghanshyam Bhandari, Minister of Social Development, Karnali. Furthermore, Locals also warned that they will block access if the slaughterhouse management is not improved promptly.
