RAWALPINDI: After the Punjab government’s ban on establishment of sacrificial animal market in cities, the Rawalpindi district administration has decided to open three markets outside the city areas to avoid the spread of coronavirus.

Commissioner retired Capt Mohammad Mehmood told Dawn that the district administration would install hand washing facilities in these markets and sanitisers would also be made available. He said other standard operating procedures are being finalised.

He said the administration of the districts would provide water and light facilities to the sellers, and buyers would not be allowed to enter the markets without gloves and face masks.

He said all the four district administrations of Rawalpindi Division had been asked to finalise the sites for the cattle markets.

“Three cattle markets will be established in the city in Bhata Chowk, Chakri Road and Dhamial,” Additional Deputy Commissioner General Zaheer Jappa told Dawn.

He said 300 kanals of Pakistan Army at Bhatta Chowk would be utilised for the establishment of the cattle market. However, he said the district administration was looking for 100 kanals each on Chakri Road and Dhamial for cattle market on rent as there was no state land vacant in these areas.

Mr Jappa said the Punjab government would finalise SOPs for the cattle markets soon, adding that the health authority and livestock department would disinfect the cattle markets and sacrificial animals to avoid Congo virus.

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2020