Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries, Abdul Gani Kohli Thursday convened a meeting to review the progress of various ongoing developmental works under Animal, Sheep Husbandry (ASH) and Fisheries Departments.The Minister asked the officers to identify land at Srinagar city outskirts for setting up of Veterinary Hospital and also directed them to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) in this regard. He also asked the Fisheries Department to prepare a DPR for establishment of Aquarium at Botanical Garden Srinagar.Establishment of fish market was also discussed in detail and the Minister directed the concerned to identify the suitable site for the purpose. He said an amount of Rs 24 lakh have already been sanctioned for the same.During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on allocation of funds under RKVY. It was said that a DPR regarding Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries (AHDF) under RKVY has been prepared and forwarded to Centre for accord of approval.
The meeting was informed that there are 16 poultry units presently registered with the Department who are importing chickens to the State. Discussions were held on State Poultry Policy and the Minister directed the concerned to work on the project and formulate a comprehensive policy in this regard at an earliest.Kohli said the proposed policy will help to promote poultry industries and create opportunities for generating employment to the educated unemployed youth of the State.Taking stock of ongoing construction of Veterinary Hospital Buildings, the Minister directed the concerned Departments to take up the matter with the Engineering Wing of JK Horticulture Planning and Marketing (HPMC), to redouble their efforts and pace up work on all hospital buildings and complete them in a stipulated time frame. He also asked them to work in unison and ensure to utilize the available funds in full and judiciously.It was said that 229 hospital buildings with an estimated cost of Rs 28.87 crore were sanctioned for which work on 135 buildings is apace.He also asked the officers to keep a proper check on livestock at all entry points so that quality of them is ensured. He impressed upon them to work with added zeal and dedication so that the set targets are achieved in full.Commissioner Secretary, Animal & Sheep Husbandry, R K Bhagat, Director Animal Husbandry Kashmir, Mohammad Yousuf Chapro, Director Sheep Husbandry Kashmir, Mohammad Ramzan Sheikh, Director Fisheries, R. N Pandita and other concerned attended the meeting.