CTP warns against sale of sacrificial animals at unauthorised locations

RAWALPINDI: The City Traffic Police (CTP) has warned of strict action against the sale of sacrificial animals at unauthorized locations in the garrison city.

Moreover, motorists found parking their cars disrupting the flow of traffic during Eidul Azha would also be taken to task.

According to a CTP spokesperson, Rawalpindi Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Yousaf Ali Shahid has directed officers to ensure smooth flow of traffic near temporary sacrificial animals markets set up ahead of Eidul Azha.

Incorrect, double parking and parking in no-parking zones would not be tolerated, he said, adding that vehicles and motorbikes parked in illegally would be lifted and impounded at the respective police stations. Parking on the Mall Road has also been prohibited.

No cattle markets in Cantt areas

Meanwhile, the city’s administration has banned sacrificial animal markets (mandis) in Rawal Town and the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB).

According to RCB Secretary Qaiser Mahmood, the sale of sacrificial animals has been banned in the cantonment. The decision was taken on the directives of Cantonment Executive Officer Dr Saima Shah. Special teams were formed to fine violators and even confiscate their animals, he said adding that the RCB team had confiscated six sacrificial animals from an illegal sale point last week. However, the Chaklala Cantonment Board (CCB) has set up two markets on Jhelum Road and Tipu Road.

The Potohar Town administration has set up seven markets for sacrificial animals.

The markets have been set up at KRL Road, Chaklala Ground near the main bazaar, Morgah near Union Council Morgah Office, Chakri Road near Union Council Lakhan, New Gulzar-e-Quaid, Bostan Khan Road near Gulraiz Colony and Dhama Syedan near Jarhai stop along Adiala road.

The sellers of sacrificial animals have been barred from entering the city since temporary animal markets have been set up outside the city. “A special task force has been formed to take action against violators, impose fines and even confiscate their animals,” said Municipal Officer Regulation (MOR) Tehsil Municipal Authority (TMA) Shahzad Gohar.

He added that the animal sellers heading to the city from the adjoining areas have been told to take their animals out of the city and a task force has been formed to prevent sellers from setting up camps near residential areas.

Mobile vaccination

The Livestock department of Rawalpindi has set up mobile vaccination and spray teams.    These teams are visiting all sale points in Rawalpindi to check and vaccinate animals against diseases.

Additional Director Livestock Dr Arshid said check posts have been set up at all entry points in Rawalpindi. Animals brought in from other cities are only being allowed to enter Rawalpindi after the teams thoroughly check them.

Sanitation plan

The district government Rawalpindi will deploy around 2,916 sanitary workers to clean up the city on Eidul Azha.

Solid Waste Managment Company (SWMC) Managing Director Rizwan Ali, in a statement on Sunday, said that the sanitary workers would be deployed to collect the waste and offal of sacrificed animals. He said that 16 transfer stations had been established in the city where the animal waste and offal would be collected before being shifted out of the city.