Covid-19 measures reviewd at markets for sacrificial animals
The provincial Minister for Livestock and Dairy Development Sardar Hasnain Bahadar on Sunday reviewed the arrangements and Covid-19 protocols at the makeshift cattle markets in the garrison city.
The minister directed to take special care of cleanliness at the cattle markets and instructed to arrange drinking water at the site.
Bahadar said that instructions for following the Covid-19 SOPs must be displayed at the makeshift markets.
He also directed that steps must be taken to check and confirm vaccination of the sacrificial animals. He made it clear that strict action would be taken for negligence in performing duties.
Cattle markets banned in city areas
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Rawalpindi district administration has banned the sale of sacrificial animals inside the city. It has also finalised arrangements to bar animal traders from setting up makeshift cattle markets at different spots of the city ahead of Eidul Azha.
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The administration has set up 10 temporary markets in the district under strict SOPs including Adiala Road, Chakri Roard near Al-Haram City, Bhatta Chowk near Koh-e-Noor Mills, Manghal Chowk near Kala Syedan bypass, Gujar Khan Mandi, Tanki Road near Chan Shah Jalyar Kahota, Chora Bazar Kotli Sattian, Animal Mandi near Timber Market Taxila, Mandi near General Hospital Wah Cantt and Dhobi Ghat to facilitate the citizens.
Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Anwarul Haq also visited the temporary animal markets the other day and inspected preparations including parking facility, availability of clean drinking water, cleanliness and lighting to facilitate the citizens. The DCO also checked implementation of SOPs issued by the provincial government to prevent spread of coronavirus.
Smooth traffic flow
Rawalpindi City Traffic Police (CTP) have also made elaborate arrangements for maintaining traffic flow at makeshift cattle markets in the district.
A spokesperson of the CTP said six DSPs, 12 inspectors, 43 traffic wardens and 10 traffic assistants have been deployed to regulate traffic and ensure smooth traffic flow near these markets, he added.
The spokesperson said traffic wardens and inspectors would remain on duty at temporary markets of the district.
K-P livestock dept allows cattle markets in pandemic
He said, the traffic arrangements would be supervised by respective DSPs and traffic police would set up barriers at several main points near these markets to facilitate the citizens. Traffic police helpline has also been made functional for the guidance of citizens, he added.
With additional input by APP
Published in The Express Tribune, July 27th, 2020.