RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) has auctioned fee collection the cattle market in Bhatta Chowk for Rs109.9 million.

The entry fee for sacrificial animals such as cows, bulls and camels in the market has been fixed at Rs3,000 each, and for goats and sheep at Rs2,000 each.

Cantonment Executive Officer Syed Ali Irfan said a total of 20 contractors participated in the auction, and Riaz Hussain won the contract with the highest bid compared to last year.

He said the auction was held in a transparent manner and that the contractors were informed about the facilities to be provided by the civic body. He said the contractor would collect the entry fee from the cattle sellers in the market.

“A Rs3,000 fee has been fixed for the entry of big animals and Rs2,000 for goats and sheep. RCB will provide all facilities in the biggest cattle market of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad,” he said.

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

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

The 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 Eidul Azha days, he added.

He said officials concerned would also be asked to strictly implement standard operating procedures (SOPs), warning that action would be taken against vendors if they violated the orders.

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2024