RAWALPINDI: The district administration has identified nine sites in seven tehsils of Rawalpindi, for establishment of cattle markets, from July 15.

The Punjab government had imposed a ban on the establishment of sacrificial animal markets in residential areas, hence the administration decided to open nine markets, outside the city, to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Two cattle markets will be set up at Adiala Road and Chakri Road, managed by Rawalpindi Metropolitan Corporation (RMC). One market each will be established in Gujar Khan and Murree and Dhobi Ghat, respectively.

Two markets will be established in Taxila at GT Road near Timber market and Wah General Hospital, Mangal Chowk Kallar Syedan, Choora Bazaar Kotli Sattian and Tangi Road Kahuta.

All assistant commissioners, municipal committees along with RMC will ensure necessary arrangements in cattle markets.

A senior administration official told Dawn that it would install a hand washing facility in these markets along with sanitisers.

"Administrations will provide water and electricity to the sellers and buyers. Wearing gloves and face masks will be made compulsory and those without them will not be allowed to enter markets. There is dire need to avoid rush in cattle markets. It will be difficult to maintain social distancing in markets but the administration with the help of Tiger force will implement social distancing and other safety measures. Vendors will not allow selling animals in the streets of residential areas or makeshift cattle markets on roadsides. Local police will help the administration implement the ban," he added.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2020