RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) auctioned the contract for collection of entry fee on sacrificial animals at the cattle market in Bhatta Chowk for Rs8.9 million.

The entry fee for a cow, bull and camel has been fixed at Rs3,000 and for goat and sheep at Rs2,000 per head.

Imran Gulzar, the cantonment executive officer, said 24 contractors had participated in the auction and Syed Mudasir Shah won the contract while giving the highest bid compared to last year.

He said the auction was held in a transparent manner. The contractors were informed about the facilities to be provided by the civic body and their obligations.

He said the contractor would collect entry fee from the cattle sellers in the market. He said Rs3,000 fee has been fixed for the entry of big animals and Rs2,000 for goats and sheep, adding RCB will provide all facilities in the biggest cattle market of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

RCB warns sellers against bringing sacrificial animals to residential areas before Eidul Azha

The market would be set up on modern lines where besides water, veterinary doctors would also be available to check the health of animals.

The RCB would form teams to check illegal cattle markets in the cantonment areas, he said, adding no animal vendor would be allowed to bring their sacrificial animals to residential areas.

Sale and purchase of sacrificial animals on roads and streets would be banned and all-out efforts would be made to keep the cantonment area neat and clean during the Eidul Azha days, he added.

He said authorities concerned would also be asked to strictly implement the standard operating procedures (SOPs). He warned that strict action would be taken against vendors violating the orders.

APP ADDS: The RCB auctioned the contract for the Bhatta Chowk cattle market well before Eidul Azha to prevent the sale of sacrificial animals in residential areas.

According to the RCB spokesman, the auction process continued for three days and the highest bid was offered on the third day.

The cattle market would be established for 15 days and remain open on Eid days at the junction of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

A committee formed by the cantonment executive officer under the chairmanship of Revenue Superintendent Rana Saleem awarded the contract.

The spokesman said the CEO had visited Bhatta Chowk cattle market the other day and reviewed the cleanliness and other arrangements.

On the directives of the CEO, work to remove small bushes and land leveling with the help of tractors had been started so that the citizens and contractors could be facilitated particularly during the sale and purchase of sacrificial animals.

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2023