Cattle markets go functional sans health checks

Livestock dept falters in conducting Congo virus test on sacrificial animals

RAWALPINDI:

With Eidul Azha approaching, twenty-two cattle markets for sacrificial animals have become operational in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

However, despite prior announcements, no stalls have been set up to check for the Congo virus in any of these markets, and the Livestock and Dairy Development Department has yet to appoint any veterinary teams.

Currently, the number of animals in both major cattle markets is quite low, and their prices are significantly higher than last year, with an increase of 30 to 40 per cent.

Entry fees for large animals have been set at Rs3,000, while smaller animals are charged Rs2,000 for entry. Unfortunately, the Rawalpinidi Cantonment Board, Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Capital Development Authority (CDA), and Rawalpindi District Council have yet to provide water facilities in these markets.

Animal fences are being set up by stall holders in the markets, and by Sunday, all cattle markets are expected to be fully functional. With salaries paid to government and private employees, citizens are currently visiting the markets to inquire about animal prices, eagerly awaiting a wider variety of animals. However, the lack of street lighting in the markets remains an issue.

The main cattle market of Rawalpindi has been established at Bhata Chowk, while Islamabad's primary market is located in I-11. Other markets in Rawalpindi have been set up in Khayaban Sir Syed, Pirwadhai, Adiala Road, Chakri, Gulistan Colony, Murir Hasan near Jamaat-e-Islami Offices, Gulzar Quaid, Rawat, and one each in the district's tehsils Murree, Kotli, Satian, Kahota, Kallar Syedan, Gujjar Khan, and Taxila.

In Islamabad, additional markets have been set up in Bhara Kahu, Tarlai, Golra, Tarnol, and Sihala.

The transportation system around these cattle markets has been severely impacted due to the heavy rush and traffic jams. Dirt and waste are accumulating in the areas near the markets due to the arrival and departure of animals and the lack of proper cleanliness measures. Additionally, the parking systems in these markets are inadequate. Parking fees are set at Rs150 for cars and taxis, and Rs100 for motorcycles.

Due to the lack of shelter in the cattle markets, animals, their owners, and helpers are spending nights under the open sky. Water supply from tankers is expected to start today, with small tankers priced at Rs1,400, medium ones at Rs1,800, and large tankers at Rs2,200. Tent rents for shade have also increased.

Currently, large animals are priced at Rs200,000, medium ones at Rs300,000 to Rs350,000, and high-quality large animals are priced between Rs500,000 to Rs1 million. Smaller animals are available at Rs100,000, medium ones at Rs150,000, and high-quality small animals range from Rs200,000 to Rs250,000. Seven shares of sacrifice are being added to large animals, with Rs50,000 to Rs70,000 being collected per share.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8^th, 2024.