Karnah, September 17 (JKNS): A delegation from Karnah met Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Karnah Reyaz Ahmed and raised several concerns regarding the functioning of the Animal Husbandry Department in the subdivision, particularly the reported absence of veterinary staff and difficulties being faced by residents in accessing animal healthcare services.
The delegation was led by former Block Development Council (BDC) representative Rayaaz Ahmad Khawaja and included Private Secretary to MLA Karnah Haji Tasleem Mir, former Sarpanch Diladar (A) Shamim Ahmed Khawaja, and senior citizen Zahoor Ahmad Baba.
During the meeting, the delegation expressed concern over the reported regular absence of Block Veterinary Officer Dr. Showkat from his duties. They also raised questions over the functioning and availability of Veterinary Assistants (VAs) posted in Teethwal Block, Tangdar Block, Nachiyan and Chitterkote, alleging that residents were facing difficulties in obtaining timely veterinary services.
The delegation stressed that the Animal Husbandry Department plays an important role in supporting livestock-dependent families in the remote and border areas of Karnah, where cattle, sheep and other livestock are an important source of livelihood for many households.
Residents Lodge Complaint
The issue gained further attention after a video of a meeting with senior officials of the Animal Husbandry Department regarding the four employees was circulated. Following the circulation of the video, some residents of Karnah reached the SDM office and lodged a formal complaint.
The residents reportedly expressed their displeasure over the fact that they had not been consulted or included in the meeting, despite the matter directly concerning veterinary services and the welfare of livestock owners in the area. They sought appropriate action to ensure that veterinary personnel remain available at their designated stations and that residents receive timely treatment for their animals.
BDC Representative Highlights Case of Villager
During the interaction, former BDC representative Rayaaz Ahmad Khawaja highlighted the difficulties faced by ordinary livestock owners, citing the case of a financially weak villager whose cow had fallen seriously ill.
According to the delegation, despite attempts to seek assistance from the Animal Husbandry Department, no veterinarian was available to attend to the animal. The family was ultimately compelled to approach a veterinarian from the Sheep Department, who provided treatment to the ailing cow.
The delegation said the incident illustrated the difficulties faced by residents when veterinary services are not readily available, particularly in remote villages where people may not have the financial means or transportation facilities to seek private treatment elsewhere.
The members of the delegation urged the SDM to look into the functioning of the concerned veterinary institutions and ensure that staff remain available at their respective places of posting.
SDM Karnah Reyaz Ahmed, while listening to the grievances, assured the delegation and residents that the issues raised would be examined and that efforts would be made for their timely redressal.
The delegation expressed hope that necessary steps would be taken to improve the availability of veterinary services in Karnah and ensure that livestock owners do not face difficulties in obtaining treatment for their animals.(JKNS)
Karnah Delegation Raises Concerns Over Animal Husbandry Services, SDM Assures Timely Redressal:
