Army opens Vet dispensary at Katra

Jammu, Jan 29 (UNI) In a bid to reduce equine moralities and foster close ties with civilians, the Army today opened a veterinary dispensary at Vaishno Devi shrine's base town, Katra, here.

Inaugurated by Maj Gen P C Panjikar, General Officer Commanding of Rashtriya Rifles' Uniform Force, the dispensary, under 'Operation Sadbhavana' would help people who earn livelihood by employing their ponies and mules to carry devotees and essential goods to the holy cave shrine.

The building infrastructure for Operation Sadbhavana Veterinary Dispensary, located at the Chetak Bhavan Base Camp Katra, has been provided by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. However, the movable assets and medicines will be provided by the Army.

The dispensary will fulfill the long felt requirement of better and efficient veterinary cover to the animals, Maj Gen Panjikar said, adding that the periodic vaccinations and screening for fatal diseases such as Glanders will also be carried out by the Army to improve the animal health care.

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