Jammu /Kashmir / Ladakh: According to Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC, Leh more than 22000 livestock of world famous Cherru have been perished in deadly snow fall in last month, which amounts to about an end of golden ore of Leh, but unfortunately, government has failed miserably in protecting the rare specie. Minister for Ladakh Affairs Mr Abdul Rahim Rather has failed so far to make arrangements in advance knowing the weather conditions of the area.
Changthang area, which is used for pasturing by the shepherds during the season, which was suddenly bombarded by heavy snow which rendered shepherds helpless as there was not proper arrangement for shelter and food. Minister for Ladakh Affairs Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather has said that Revenue and Animal & Sheep Husbandry Departments have been asked to conduct a joint survey so that actual loss of the livestock in Changthang area of Leh could be worked out. He said the affected nomads of the area whose livestock died would be provided relief.
It is ironic that despite being Minister for Ladakh affairs, Mr Rather has least knowledge about the actual number of Cheerus. It would have been better to appoint a Leh based person as the head of Ladakh Affairs but political compulsion has forced National Conference (NC) in doing the justice with the hilly region, Nargis Dolma, a scholar in University of Jammu commented.
The harshly affected villages include Tsaga, Nyoma, Muth, Nidar, Chumathang, Sumdo, Korzok, Tegazong and Manmerak, Chuchhul, Phobrang and Sato-Kargyam of Nyoma Sub Division. To which Animal Husbandry department have a record and are helpless to extend any sort of help to needy due to governments apathy, well placed sources informed. Not only Cheeru but also Yak, Demo, Horses and Cows are facing danger of life but government under the able supervision of Minister of Ladakh Affairs whose ministry is still in wait and watch situation. But claims that feed-fodder is being supplied to nomad area of Changthang Sub Divisionfree of cost.
One fails to understand that on one side for lifting humane beings in helicopters ministers from Ladakh area has been expressing gratitude to Indian Airlines repeatedly and there has been no news about fodder carriage by helicopters and above all government itself claims that roads ways for Ladakh division would be opened in the month of April. Then on the other hand which way was used to transport fodder to needy shepherds in Leh.
“Is there any policy to save Cheeru with government as it has for Hungul or it is just giving lip services to the people of Leh who only have the source of living due to Cheerus of world fame? We don’t get any facilities from Government of India and Jammu and Kashmir Government, we have lost every thing and there is only God to save us and take care of us” Chinpe Tupening a nomad told on phone.
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