Layer chickens banned in Srinagar

Srinagar, Dec 24 (UNI) The authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have banned the entry and sale of layer chickens within the Srinagar municipal limits.

An official of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) said the step was taken in the best interest of the people.

He said two trucks carrying the chickens were stopped at the Pantha Chowk check post on the city outskirts and not allowed to enter the municipal limits.

''The layer chickens are being fed with some substance which is harmful for human consumption,'' the official added.

He said the entry of chickens from outside the state also caused loss to local poultry units.

The authorities had in February this year imposed a ban on the entry of poultry in Jammu and Kashmir from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab and Haryana to prevent the spread of bird flu.

The decision followed the outbreak of deadly avian influenza in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Punjab and Haryana are major suppliers of poultry to Jammu and Kashmir and to the armed forces and paramilitary forces deployed in the strife-torn state.

The ban was later lifted after the bird flu situation improved across the country. The Punjab and Haryana governments had also demanded the lifting of ban, saying the poultry industry in these states suffered daily losses to the tune of Rs one crore.

UNI AG SHB KN1747