Chandigarh, August 10: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today directed to set up a Group of Ministers (GoM) for effective monitoring and control of the lumpy skin disease amongst animals in the state on day to day basis.
Divulging the details after a high level meeting to review the situation, the Chief Minister said that this GoM comprising Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, Agriculture Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal and Animal Husbandry Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar will be assisted by senior officers, experts of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University and officers of Animal Husbandry department.
He said that the GoM will daily review the situation arising out of the disease on daily basis and take the necessary action for checking it. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government is duty bound to safeguard the interests of the cattle owners in the state.
The Chief Minister also announced to launch a massive vaccination drive to save the animals from this disease. He said that the vaccination will be given to the animals free of cost adding that there is no dearth of funds for this. Bhagwant Mann unequivocally said that the best recommended medicine by Government of India (GoI) has been brought for this purpose and more vaccination, if required, will be airlifted.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is duly focusing on preventing and tackling this disease. He said that cattle wealth is an integral part of state’s economy and Punjab government will take every step for ensuring that animals don’t fell prey to this disease. Bhagwant Mann assured fulsome support and cooperation to cattle owners for this purpose.
The Chief Minister also announced that the state government has sealed the borders of the state for checking the entry of animals from other states into Punjab. He said that districts of Fazilka, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda and Tarn Taran have been hitherto worst affected by the disease which reflects that the disease has been transmitted from other states. Bhagwant Mann said that so it is imperative to seal the borders of the state for checking the further spread of disease.
The Chief Minister also appealed the cattle owners to exercise restraint and not get swayed away by the rumours. He said that the state government is committed for tackling the spread of this disease. Bhagwant Mann urged the Cattle owners to maintain cleanliness around the animals and segregate the cattle having any symptom of the disease.
The Chief Minister also said that till the disease is not controlled there will be complete ban on organising any cattle fair in the state. He said that the Animal Husbandry department has been asked to supply doses of calcium to animals for enhancing their immunity. Likewise, Bhagwant Mann said that the department has also been directed to ensure spray for killing mosquitoes which can be carrier of this disease.
The Chief Minister also urged the owners to ensure vaccination to their respective cattle as it also enhances immunity to fight with the disease. He said that to ensure proper burial of dead animals, the Deputy Commissioners have been directed to ensure the requisite arrangements in form of vacant lands and others. Bhagwant Mann also said that the recent trends also reflect that the disease is on decline in the state.
On the occasion Cabinet Ministers Harpal Cheema, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal and Laljeet Singh Bhullar along with others were also present.
