Punjab govt to keep database of livestock farmers

Several depts depute staff in cattle markets

LAHORE:

To contain the risk of coronavirus pandemic, the Punjab government has decided to maintain a computerised database of traders and livestock farmers bringing sacrificial animals for sale in the provincial capital from different areas of the country.

After completing the safety and social distancing arrangements, the local administration on Wednesday set up makeshift cattle markets in different areas of the provincial capital. Lahore Division Commissioner Asif Bilal Lodhi visited the LDA City cattle market to inspect safety arrangements and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

He directed the local administration to maintain complete record of traders, livestock farmers and sacrificial animals to track their movement from different areas. He highlighted that several government agencies, including local administration, city police, livestock and health departments have deputed their staff at the makeshift cattle markets and sale points. These officials have been provided android-based cell phone to maintain a computerised database of traders, farmers and animals to keep track of their movement in the city.

While giving a briefing about cattle markets, Metropolitan Corporation Lahore’s Syed Ali Bukhari told the commissioner that total 12 makeshift markets and sale points, including Lakhodair, LDA City, Kahna, DHA Phase 9, Gajjumatta, Sagian Bridge and NFC Housing Society, have been set up in the provincial metropolis.

For safety reasons, he pointed out, the administration has made proper arrangements for screening of citizens. Field staff has been directed to conduct thermal screening at the entry points of the makeshift markets and allow a limited number of shoppers into the markets to avoid crowding and congestion.

Lodhi also directed the local administration to launch a crackdown against illegal sale points. He underscored that since sacrificial animal markets have become functional the coronavirus SOPs must be implemented in letter and spirit to avoid the risk of virus spread.

He also directed the MCL to take strict action against illegal sacrificial animal sale points as the government cannot permit free movement of cattle traders in the city. He said all measures recommended by the LG&CD and the health departments regarding coronavirus should be implemented. He said that assistant commissioners would verify the quality and provision of all facilities and arrangements at the sale points.

He said the number of sacrificial animals at a sale point would be kept according to the area and space for animals allocated as per the SOPs. Safety arrangements may cause some inconvenience to citizens but the government would not compromise on their safety. The government has allowed more sale points in comparison to previous years to avoid crowding and risk of coronavirus spread.

Cattle trading and transportation in the country is a permanent feature during Eidul Azha, but this huge movement of livestock and mass gatherings at cattle markets always pose threats of communicable diseases. This year, in the wake of coronavirus pandemic, a comprehensive and focused approach is required and thus the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department (P&SHD), on the recommendations of a Technical Working Group, has issued SOPs to prevent its spread.

In this connection, a notification was also issued last week which highlights that as per the SOPs, the cattle markets will be established at designated points a few kilometres away from city limits; and the number and size of the cattle markets will depend upon cattle base and transportation facilities.

As per the SOPs, only two persons per vehicle will be permitted and no elderly people or children will be allowed into the markets, and the management will ensure implementation of ‘distanced queue management’ at all entry points.

The visitors, sellers and market staff will go through a thermal scan at the entry points and any person detected with high temperature will be referred to the medical camps for further assessment.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 16^th, 2020.