Govt to compensate cattle farmers for LSD losses
Staff Reporter
Shillong, Sept 19: The state government has assured to pay compensation to cattle farmers after over 9,000 cattle have been affected by the Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in the State.
Replying in the Assembly today, Minister in-charge Animal Husbandry & Veterinary AL Hek said no compensation has been provided to cattle farmers in the wake of LSD.
However, when opposition VPP legislator from Nongkrem Ardent M Basaiawmoit sought to know if the government is contemplating providing compensation to cattle farmers, who were compelled to close down their farms due to LSD, Hek said, “Government is going to pay compensation (to cattle farmers).”
He said that over 9,000 cattle were affected by LSD in the State.
Hek also informed that four veterinary hospitals and 125 dispensaries are providing medicines and vaccination to cattle against the disease.
On the other hand, the minister informed that Rs 16,20,000 compensation was provided to farmers during 2020-21 for the deaths of 540 pigs due to African Swine Fever disease.
When Basaiawmoit alleged the swine fever disease happened ever since the government started distributing piglets, which are from outside the state, Hek said, “We are not a self-sufficient State that is why we have to depend from outside the State.”
Vet hospital to come up in Shillong
Minister in charge of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Alexander Laloo Hek today said the government will soon set up the first-ever full-fledged veterinary hospital in Shillong.
“A detailed project report is being prepared for the setting up of the veterinary hospital at an estimated cost of Rs 94 crore,” Hek told reporters.
He said the site for the project will be at Upper Shillong and the proposal will be submitted to the Centre for sanctioning of funds.
Meghalaya is yet to have its own full-fledged veterinary hospital despite completing 50 years of statehood.
Hek said that the state is presently equipped with only veterinary dispensaries under the Directorate of Veterinary in East Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills.
“Therefore, it is high time that we get a full-fledged veterinary hospital which will be a great blessing for the people of the state,” he added.
When asked, Hek said that the DPR will be completed by next month while adding that “we will immediately seek financial support from the Centre in order to speed up the setting up of this very important hospital in the state.”
Further, the minister informed that at present the state has over 17 veterinary mobile units which are functioning on a trial basis.
Stating that the state has over 264 veterinary doctors, Hek said, “Once the state has its own dedicated veterinary hospital, the department will find out ways and means to accommodate new doctors, veterinary assistants and other staff.”
CM inspects ongoing projects in WGH
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inspected several ongoing projects with Tura and its adjoining areas in West Garo Hills on Thursday.
He inspected the ongoing construction of the Tura Medical College at Doldegre, about 7 km from Tura town, where Tura Civil Hospital is located.
Reviewing the ongoing construction with officials of health department, Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills and officials of the construction company, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that the pace of the construction is slow, which has been quickened recently.
“The civil works of the college should be completed by June-July next year. We are hopeful to complete the infrastructure and start the medical college. The process to increase the beds in Tura Civil Hospital will also start soon,” the Chief Minister added.
The Chief Minister has also directed Deputy Commissioner Jagdish Chelani to hold regular reviews with the construction company and ensure that the college is completed within the coming year.
He also inspected the ongoing construction of Tura Youth Convention Centre, which is coming up at Dakopgre and also the Track and Field Stadium.
Expressing happiness over the ongoing construction of the sports and youth facilities, he said, “We expect that within 1.5 years, the stadium and the convention centre will be inaugurated. These two infrastructures will be a blessing for Tura town and the State as a whole as different kinds of sports, games and events of State and national level can be held in Tura in the near future.”
Hamlet appointed as CM’s adviser
Staff Reporter
Shillong, April 5: Former Mylliem MLA and former Cabinet Minister Hamletson Dohling has been appointed as adviser to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
This was informed by the Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
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