Jaipur, May 25 (IANS) A major sanitation and environmental concern surfaced in Jaisalmer after hundreds of cattle carcasses were found lying in the open at the Baragaon dumping yard, located around seven kilometres from Jaisalmer.

The carcasses, allegedly left unattended due to contractor negligence, triggered foul odour and contamination concerns in surrounding areas.

The issue came to light after videos of the dumping yard circulated, prompting swift action from the Municipal Council.

Following reports of the carcasses lying exposed at the waste disposal site, the council administration launched an immediate response.

Municipal Council Commissioner Lajpal Singh Sodha took cognisance of the matter and issued a show-cause notice to the contractor responsible for lifting dead animals and disposing bones and hides.

The contractor, identified as Goparam, a resident of Suwala in Barmer district, has been accused of violating disposal norms by dumping carcasses in the open instead of using designated burial pits.

According to the Municipal Council, specific pits had already been earmarked for the disposal of animal remains. However, the contractor allegedly failed to follow prescribed procedures, resulting in carcasses being left to decompose in the open.

Following the Commissioner’s directives, teams from the Municipal Council’s Public Health Branch and sanitation department reached the site and began remedial measures.

Using JCB machines, workers excavated large pits and buried the cattle carcasses and other animal remains lying at the dumping yard.

Officials said the burial exercise was carried out to prevent further environmental contamination and provide relief from the foul smell spreading in nearby areas.

The Municipal Council has warned of strict action against the contractor. Officials stated that if the explanation submitted in response to the notice is found unsatisfactory, the contract awarded for bone and carcass disposal during the 2025–26 financial year will be terminated.

The council further said the contractor’s security deposit may be forfeited and proceedings initiated to blacklist him from future contracts.

Commissioner Lajpal Singh Sodha said negligence in handling animal carcass disposal would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He emphasised that the administration has sought a detailed explanation and assured that stringent action would follow if violations of disposal regulations are confirmed.

–IANS

arc/rad