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After strong opposition from residents and traders, the Erode Corporation is planning to convert the modern cow slaughterhouse at Vairapalayam into a centre for implementing the animal birth control (ABC) programme. The slaughterhouse, built on a 10,500-sq.ft site at a cost of ₹75 lakh during the previous AIADMK regime under the Infrastructure Gap Filling Fund 2016–17, has remained unused since completion. To prevent revenue loss, the civic body obtained a Consent to Operate from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and auctioned the facility this year. A contractor, who emerged as the highest bidder, was awarded the operation and maintenance contract from July 14, 2025, to July 13, 2028, for an annual fee of ₹25,00,999. After paying ₹12,50,050 as the initial instalment, the contractor commenced operations, with the civic body fixing a slaughter charge of ₹100 per cow. However, the district beef traders’ association objected, citing inadequate infrastructure, lack of water supply, and limited space at the facility, in addition to stiff resistance from local residents. The association, representing around 500 families, also alleged that the contractor demanded ₹100 per cow even if process was done at shops. Pointing out that most beef shops are located at Brahmana Agraharam, about 5 km from Vairapalayam, traders demanded that a new 12,000-sq.ft slaughterhouse be established in Wards 6, 7, or 15. As a result, when the slaughterhouse functioned between July 14 and July 21, 2025, no cows were brought to the facility. Following the Corporation Commissioner’s direction, the City Health Officer held two rounds of talks with stakeholders. However, the discussions failed as traders sought better facilities, reduced charges, and a location closer to Agraharam. With no cooperation from traders, the contractor expressed his unwillingness to continue operations and sought a refund. At the recent council meeting, councillors strongly opposed reopening the slaughterhouse and urged the civic body to close it permanently. Deputy Commissioner K. Dhanalakshmi informed the council that, given the persistent opposition, the Corporation is considering using the facility for the ABC programme and work on the proposal is under way.
