Shillong, Aug 11: Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister AL Hek has instructed the department to expedite the process of setting up health check-up centres for livestock.
“We have received sanction from the Centre for the construction of health checkup centers for livestock in Narang, Ri Bhoi and Nidangpur, Garo Hills,” Hek told reporters after a meeting held with the delegation of the Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) here on Monday.
The minister assured that one of the centers would be implemented soon.
“I have instructed the department to expedite the construction process,” he stated while acknowledging that HITO leaders and other organisations are raising valid points and suggestions with regard to having health checkup centres for livestock coming from outside the state.
Regarding cattle smuggling, Hek stated that the government is taking the issue seriously, with the BSF and police working together to apprehend smugglers.
He emphasized that the government would not allow smuggling of any kind of livestock outside the country.
The minister highlighted the role of the Deputy Commissioner, who chairs a committee to oversee the issue, and noted that regular checks are being conducted to prevent smuggling.
In its memorandum submitted to Hek, the HITO has demanded a crackdown on livestock smuggling and unregulated meat imports in Meghalaya.
It pointed out that the frequent seizures by the BSF Meghalaya Frontier indicate that cattle smuggling to Bangladesh has reached alarming proportions.
Poultry and piggery products are being smuggled into the state through clandestine networks, with ER 021 Byrnihat in Ri-Bhoi district serving as a main entry point, said the group.
The group also claimed that the state is losing valuable revenue due to the lack of regulation and monitoring of imports and transit while alleging that the lure of profits from facilitating smuggling has drawn many young people out of school in Ri Bhoi.
The HITO has also demanded a 24×7 enforcement by setting up permanent livestock and meat check gates at strategic entry and transit points that will ensure strict verification of animal origin and ownership, compulsory veterinary health checks, and certification.
It also suggested the need for surprise checks, especially during night hours when most smuggling occurs besides imposing severe penalties for smugglers, middlemen, and officials aiding or protecting them.
The HITO further stated the need for systems to ensure all legal imports contribute to the state’s coffers. It also demanded the government to take initiatives to steer vulnerable youth away from illegal trade.
Meanwhile, the HITO has threatened to launch its own independent inspections and investigations if the government fails to act.
Exposure of official negligence and smuggling networks could severely erode public trust in the government, it stated.
