Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Mar 18: Over 22,000 world famous rare Pashmina goats besides many other cattle in Ladakh region have died for want of fodder while no relief has been provided to the poor nomads by the State Government by conducting extensive survey so far.
The issue was forcefully raised by the legislator Nurboo Gialchan from Ladakh through his Calling Attention Notice moved in the Upper House of the Legislature today. Another member from Kargil, Aga Sayed Rizvi also pressed for relief and maintained that rare species of Pashmina which is connected with the livelihood of the nomads and is only available in this area of the world, has been at the verge of extinction. The members strongly criticized the Government for not taking preventive measures in time, resulting into the death of such a large number livestock in the area.
They pointed out that due to unprecedented snowfall in the nomadic areas of Changthang, Nyoma blocks in Ladakh, more than 22,000 Pashmina goats, Yak etc were killed due to non-availability of fodder/ grass. They said the number of around 25,000 and may be more as no extensive survey has been conducted by any field agency. They asked what measures are being taken to save this Pashmina goat which is available in this region and important Pashmina shawl industry of the State was connected to it.
Realising the importance of the issue, While intervening into the matter, Chairman Legislative Council Amrit Malhotra directed the Government to take serious note of it and initiate every possible step to protect world famous Pashmina goat which is only available in this part of the country. He also stressed for ensuring early winter stocking of fodder for the live stock in Ladakh region so that unwanted deaths of cattle be prevented.
Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Abdul Rahim Rather expressed sorrow over the incident of loss of livestock in Changthang and Nyoma area of Ladakh and said that Revenue and Animal Husbandry Departments have been asked to conduct joint survey so that actual loss of the livestock in the area could be worked out. He assured the House that affected nomads will be provided relief. He also claimed that district administration provided 9465 quintals of cattle feed, 25000 quintal barley and 2000 quintals of dry fodder after the matter came to the notice.
He claimed that winter stocking of fodder was already being done since long but this year there was heavy snow fall and shortage of fodder was observed there. He assured to take all the necessary steps in this regard and create some storages in the newly identified areas.
Minister of State for Home Sajjad Kichloo said due to unprecedented snowfall in the month of February this year, these open areas were covered with heavy snow and the temperature dropped to -35 degree Celsius. It was laer reported by the Dy Commissioner/ CEO LAHDC that nearly 22,000 livestock ( sheep/ goat/ yak, horses etc) have been perished. The actual assessment is being carried out jointly by Revenue and Animal Husbandry officials.
Minister of State for Home, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo said that during winter months the nomads of Nyoma area take their livestock to Changthang area for open grazing. Due to heavy snowfall in February this year, these open areas were covered with heavy snow. And the temperature dipped to -35 degree Celsius. Many animals were perished. DC Leh/CEO LAHDC later reported that more than 22,000 sheep, goats, yaks etc have been killed due to fodder crisis.
After the snowfall, in order to sustain the existing livestock, Sheep Husbandry department supplied 805 quintals of dry fodder through 45 trucks including five army trucks to the affected areas. He informed that about 253 quintals of dry fodder in 18 trucks and further 8 trucks of hay have been supplied to the villages including Tsaga, Nyoma, Muth, Nidar, Chumathang, Sumdo, Korzok, Tegazong, Menmerak, Chushul, Phobrang and Sato-Kargyam. This fodder has been provided free of cost to the nomads. He also assured the increase the winter stocking of fodder by creating additional stores.
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