Srinagar, Jan 31: Concerned over the acute shortage of feed and fodder because of heavy snowfall and minus 20 degree Celsius temperature, the authorities in Leh has decided to constitute a Task Force (TF) to meet the challenge.

The Task Force would conduct a survey of the areas where reports about shortage of feed and fodder for live stock has been reported.

Meanwhile, the Air Force and Army authorities would be requested to arrange air dropping of fodder in the areas which are cut off because of snow The TF would present the report in a shortest possible time and accordingly the rehabilitation measures would be taken, an official spokesman said.

He said Changthang area was the worst hit where people were facing acute shortage of feed and fodder for their live stock due to heavy snowfall.

The chairman of Chief Executive Councilor (CEC), Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, Chhering Dorje was informed by the councilors of Changthang that due to considerable snowfall, all the pasture lands have been covered with snow.

The problem has become more acute because of damages to grasslands, he was informed.

However, Dorje informed that 2731 quintals of feed have already been stocked at 22 feed banks established in the area.

The feed were being sold to the breeders on 30 per cent subsidised rate costing Rs 710 per quintal.

The Chief Executive Councilor said as much as 1000 quintals of fodder is available with the Sheep Husbandry Department, Leh, and would be lifted for distribution among breeders as per the recommendation of the Task Force.

Mr Dorje also said the Air Force and Army authorities would be requested to arrange air dropping of fodder in the areas which are disconnected because of snow.


UNI