Local authorities fail to set up official markets ahead of Eidul Azha
HYDERABAD: With Eidul Azha approaching, the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (HMC) and its affiliated Town Municipal Corporations have yet to establish any official cattle markets in Sindh’s second-largest city.
This failure has led to the unchecked sale of sacrificial animals across multiple informal locations, severely disrupting traffic, worsening sanitation, and raising safety concerns.
In the absence of regulated sites, unauthorized cattle markets have emerged on vacant plots and along busy roadsides in densely populated neighborhoods like Latifabad and Phuleli.
Temporary markets have sprung up at major intersections including Barah-e-Rabiul Awwal Chowk near Bismillah City, Siddiq Plaza Chowk, Asma-e-Hasna Chowk, Khuda Hafiz Board Chowk, Chungi Naka Chowk, Auto Bhan Road, Goods Naka Road, Pakka Qila Charai, Guru Nagar Chowk, and Wapda Town.
Similar informal trading activity is also reported along the City Gate to Halla Naka Chowk route, where evening animal sales have become a routine.
Due to the intense daytime heat, most trading occurs during the evening and nighttime hours. While serious buyers are still limited, these locations attract large crowds of spectators.
The influx of livestock and people at already congested junctions has worsened traffic jams and led to more minor accidents. The noise from vehicles and honking has agitated some animals, causing panic and creating dangerous situations for both pedestrians and motorists.
Sanitation problems have intensified, too. Since the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board took over waste collection in Hyderabad, complaints about irregular and insufficient services have increased.
The unchecked cattle sales have added to the problem, with animal feed, dung, and other waste piling up at these makeshift markets. The resulting foul smell and unsanitary conditions pose serious public health risks. Nearby shopkeepers and residents have voiced frustration over the worsening environment.
This issue was officially highlighted on May 7 during an HMC meeting at the Mumtaz Mirza Auditorium in the Sindh Museum. UC Chairman Gadu Mari of the PPP pointed out the problems caused by illegal cattle markets at Guru Nagar Chowk and Shahbaz Cinema Road, emphasizing the hardships faced by women and local residents.
