Sindh issues cattle market SOPs

PPP govt urges citizens to opt for ‘distant Qurbani’ through organisations

KARACHI:

The Sindh government issued on Wednesday the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cattle markets and slaughtering sacrificial animals, two weeks ahead of Eidul Azha.

The Sindh local government department issued a notification in this regard, stating that only selected markets would be allowed to function in designated areas, and encouraging people to opt for "distant Qurbani" [distant slaughter] through a reputable and registered organisation.

Cattle market SOPs

According to the notification, only selected cattle markets will be granted permission to function. The permission is to be given by the relevant commissioner, on the recommendation of deputy commissioners (DCs).

Besides, the permission for running cattle markets will be conditional to compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued for Covid-19 prevention and will be revoked if the directions are not followed. Action will also be taken against SOP violators.

The government has further issued directions for setting up a model cattle market in each district and tehsil at the earliest so that it can be emulated by others.

As per the notification, the markets may only be set up in designated areas and any person found selling sacrificial animals elsewhere, such as on the roadside, under bridges and in residential areas, will also face legal action.

Those with a fever and showing other Covid-19 symptoms, as well as those not following coronavirus-related SOPs, below the age of 15, above the age of 55 or having co-morbidities will not be allowed entry to the markets.

The notification further announced the formation of monitoring committees at the district and tehsil or town level, to ensure that all SOPs are duly followed at cattle markets. Committees at the district level will be headed by DCs and include SSPs, municipal commissioners and Rangers officials, while committees at the town or tehsil level will be led by assistant commissioners.

District health officers have been instructed to constitute medical teams for testing any suspected cases of Covid-19 at the markets. The teams are to be kept ready for deployment at the markets on the orders of the DC or other authorised officials.

In addition to these guidelines, a design plan has also been proposed for the markets to ensure safe distancing between people and animals.

The plan suggests that the markets have a U-shaped structure, with the entrance at one end of the U and the exit at the other. Smaller animals may then be stationed inside the U and larger ones outside it, with buyers moving along the path.

The guidelines state that a safe distance of more than three feet, or ideally six feet, is to be ensured between buyers and sellers at the markets.

Security or administration personnel are to be deployed to ensure proper management and flow of movement. Signs shall also be put up to mark all areas in the markets and direct the flow of movement.

Besides, district administration officials and police are to be deployed at the markets around the clock, CCTV cameras be installed there, secluded spots be specified for housing medical teams and veterinary staff, as well as for suspected Covid-19 cases.

Slaughter advisory

The notification urged citizens to opt for "distant Qurbani" through reputable and registered firms, companies and welfare organisations, which in turn have been asked to devise and implement a proper mechanism for slaughtering animals on others' behalf at designated spots.

These bodies have also been ask to seek the services of only trained butchers, who have tested negative for Covid-19, and to prioritise purchasing animals online.

They are to keep sacrificial animals and slaughter them outside cities, in areas that are not congested and crowded.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 17^th, 2020.