Punjab to upgrade vet hospital, poly clinics

Chandigarh, Jan 24 (UNI) The Punjab government has chalked out a comprehensive plan to restructure the complete network of veterinary hospitals and poly clinics in the State.

A decision to this effect was taken in a high level meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal here today.

It was informed in the meeting that under this project five new poly clinics and 20 veterinary hospitals would be constructed besides upgrading 10 existing poly clinics and 850 veterinary hospitals.

Expressing deep concern over the nuisance caused by stray cattle, Mr Badal directed all the Deputy Commissioner in the State to establish at least one cow-shelter in their respective districts to tackle this menace. He pointed out that a proposal of Rs five crore had already been sent to Central government for its approval.

He said that he would take up this issue with the Ministry concerned during his next visit to New Delhi to fetch a grant of Rs 25 lakh each for a new Gaou-shala under GOI Scheme.

Animal Husbandry and Fisheries and Diary Development Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike informed in the meeting that the state government had planned for the sterilisation of about 2.75 lakh stray dogs in the state that would cost Rs 440 per operation.

He further informed that initially this project would be launched from the Ludhiana City on pilot basis and would cover the entire state in a phased manner.

UNI PS BK1705