Bhopal: After a crackdown on illegal meat shops for two days in a row, Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) widened ambit of its operations on Saturday to include non-vegetarian food joints in the city.On third day, it raided food joints selling non-vegetarian food from pavement. Over a dozen small and large eateries were raided and penalised for violating corporation norms.Mobile court under municipal magistrate Rakesh Patidar was out on streets. The BMC operation began from Lilly Talkies intersection. Vendors and shop owners, who were operating by crossing their designated limits, were penalised.In half an hour, the mobile court van was parked at Jinsi Chouraha, the densely-populated area, which is home to many non-vegetarian food outlets.Famous Biryani, a well-known outlet was one of the first to be fined. Vendors and businessmen stood in a queue in the intense heat. Over 50 people waited for their turn to be heard by the magistrate. In many instances, the fine was hefty. By the end of the day, Rs 2.52 lakh were recovered as the penalty for violations, far more than compared to the first day, when the civic body collected a fine of only Rs 19,400. On Day 2, it was Rs 27,700.Overall, 59 outlets were fined for operating by flouting BMC norms and encroaching upon public space. Gates of air-conditioned mobile court were open. Municipal magistrate, supported by a staff of three court men, were sitting below to take notes.BMC team, supported by police informed about directives. Over a dozen vehicles, two trucks and a heavy vehicle were pressed into service for the operation. Indications are more action against meat shops and non-vegetarian outlets is expected in coming days. But small-time vendors aired their anger over 'targeting' them. "The BMC is not taking action against big outlets and businesses that have encroached public land. The operation is directed at smaller business. We have not violated BMC norms," said Zafar Khan, who owns a local business. He paid a spot fine of Rs 2,500. Basit Ali, a street vendor alleged that almost all shops, big or small in the area are encroachments.****SIDESTORYMeat, chicken price up, demand dropsPrice pinch is immediate fallout of crackdown on illegal meat shops and others non-vegetarian food business. According to estimates, sale has dropped by 20%. At the same time, price of meat and chicken went up by about 10% to 30% depending on availability.BMC efforts towards Swachh Bharat mission is yet to make an impact in Itwara area, the hub of meat business. "Business is down. There is an impact of the BMC drive against illegal meat shops, but the other impact is cattle are in short supply. It happens during peak summer season," said Arshad Qureshi.Moving deeper into the 'Qasaipura', there seemed to be no impact of the BMC drive. The area has been left untouched by the civic body. Sources said BMC fears protest and backlash from locals. The community members recently met BMC mayor Alok Sharma demanding relocation of the meat shops in a newly constructed closed meat market.Some in the area were seen prepping for an eventual inspection. A shop at the end of the street had employed a mason to fix new tiles at the meat shop.As per new guidelines, all persons working at meat shops will have to obtain health certificate from government doctors. The meat must be certified by authorised vets.For obtaining licence in urban areas, applicants will first have to get a no-objection certificate from a circle officer and municipal corporation and an NoC from food and drug administration (FDA).As per rule, all markets and slaughter houses, which belong to or are maintained by the corporation. Any person, who intends to carry on trade of a butcher or work within municipal limits and use any premises for the sale of meat must get the trade licence. It is valid for a year.

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