BHILAI: Stung by a row over beef, public sector company Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) in Chhattisgarh has cancelled a tender floated earlier for supply of one lakh kilograms of beef for feeding animals at its Maitri Baag zoo in the steel city.

The tender, which was floated on Wednesday, sparked a controversy after local newspapers reported its clauses seeking supply of one lakh kilogram "bullock/buffalo/beef meat/big animal meat" for feeding the animals in the zoo. A ban on the purchase and sale of beef is already in force under a law in BJP ruled Chhattisgarh.

"The tender now stands cancelled. In fact, it was meant for supply of buffalo meat. It's going on ever since the zoo was established," Bhilai Steel Plant's deputy general manager (Public relations) Vinay Mairal told TOI.

As per the tender clauses, about two quintal of beef and bull meat is needed on a daily basis to feed lion, tiger and leapord. BSP insiders say that beef is cheap as compared to mutton and chicken and it's argued that animals in captivity also prefer beef.

Maitri Bagh is a "Friendship Garden" established as symbol of India USSR friendship. It was developed and maintained by Bhilai Steel Plant, SAIL. This is one of best picnic spot in Chhattisgarh.