Tribals in Pulwama demand adequate facilities for transportation of livestock
Pulwama: Hundreds of Tribals living in upper reaches of Pulwama district have demanded adequate transport facilities for transportation of their livestock to Jammu division.
The tribals said that due to recent rains that is severe cold in upper reaches and they feel their livestock may perish if they are not shifted to Jammu division immediately.
They said that due to snowfall in upper reaches, their livestock may die of starvation as well and government must take steps in this regard.
Rashid Katana, head of one such family said that despite bringing the issue of transportation in notice of concerned authorities much before the weather took a turn for the worse, the authorities have failed to take positive steps in this regard.
He said that if the government is claiming that they have made arrangements of transportation for tribals and their livestock then why on ground tribals have to wait for long time to get their turn.
The tribals said that the number of vehicles deputed for transportation purpose is very less and it will take long time for most of the people to get their turn.
They said that last year there was a demand for more trucks but nothing was done following which several families could not get the facility and preferred to walk on foot and carry their livestock like in the past.
They requested LG lead administration and Secretary, Tribal Affairs Department J&K, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary to look into the matter and take appropriate steps accordingly.
The transport facility to migratory tribal families through Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and Mughal Road was started last year and also continued this year.
Authorities say last year thousands of families availed the facility.
Meanwhile, District Sheep Husbandry Officer Dr Mohammad Ashraf said that Tribal Affairs department has provided only five vehicles to district Pulwama and that is not enough.
He said that the department is in contact with tribal affairs department and efforts are on to arrange more transport so that migratory tribals and their livestock will be transported to Jammu division on time.
