ISLAMABAD: The capital administration on Tuesday banned sale, purchase, movement and presence of sacrificial animals in bulks in all sectors to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and the Congo virus.

An order issued from the office of the deputy commissioner stated: “Before Eidul Azha, there is an influx of sacrificial animals in bulk within the sector areas of the capital for sale and purchase. Although the government has notified areas for cattle markets, certain sellers disregard the designated areas and with the objective of higher profits move sacrificial animals in bulk within the sectorial areas.”

This influx of sacrificial animals on roads, greenbelts and empty plots pose not only a health hazard by spread of contagious diseases but are also a source of obstruction to traffic flow and traffic accidents.

“There are sufficient grounds for proceedings under Section of 144 CrPC 1898 and immediate prevention and speedy remedy is necessary,” the order added.

“The deputy commissioner hereby prohibits any kind of sale, purchase, movement and presence of sacrificial animals in bulk in the sectorial areas except at the area specified for the purpose by CDA as cattle Mandi.”

The order will come into force with an immediate effect and remain in force for one month.

Officials said teams have been constituted to implement the order. They will work under the supervision of assistant commissioners and magistrates who have been made responsible for preventing the establishment of cattle markets in sectors.

These teams inspect the open areas and suitable places for the cattle markets in their respective limits on a daily basis. In this regard, a report will also be submitted to the office of the deputy commissioner.

Moreover, police have been asked to get the order implemented.

About 38 police pickets are set up on roads in the capital. The police were asked to establish more pickets on main roads and around the sectors to avoid movement of sacrificial animals in bulk for sale within the sectors.

Patrolling teams and officials deployed at the pickets were asked to keep an eye on the movement of animals.

On July 7, the capital administration issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cattle markets to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and Congo virus in the capital. As per the SOPs, the cattle markets should have defined areas for main business points and cattle stockyards.

So far, three cattle markets have been set up at Tarlai, Tarnol and Rawat. A report submitted to the deputy commissioner office on July 20 said SOPs were put in place at each of the three markets.

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2020