Saturday, October 1, 2011

Animal Husbandry team surveys earthquake damage to infrastructure in Chungthang

GANGTOK, 29 Sept: A team of Animal Husbandry Department officers led by Secretary DP Sharma, and including Joint Directors Dr. RK Tamang, Dr. PK Pradhan and Dr. HN Sharma visited and inspected the extent of damage caused by the 18 Sept Earthquake to the Chungthang Sub-Division Veterinary Hospital Complex, officers quarters, staff quarters, Bull Shed and other related structures, informs a press release.
The team observed that the said structures have been 100% damaged.  Similarly, the Piggery Farm at Bop has been seen severely damaged by the earthquake killing one staff, Phurba Lepcha on the spot.
Looking at the extent of damage and vulnerability of the area due to constant slides, there seems no scope of rebuilding, rather the Department immediately needs to relocate within this GPU and shift the said farm, the team discovered. 
However, there was no animal casualty in the farm except for minor injuries sustained by some of the animals.
The team appreciated the courage and the effort made by the Deputy Director, Dr. Karma Tenzing and Veterinary Officers Dr. Dichen Lachenpa and Dr. Thinley Nedup along with their staff who took an active part in relief of people and livestock at Chungthang and facilitated immediate restoration of certain departmental works. 
During this visit, the team also held a meeting with Panchayat President, Lhendup Lepcha and other Panchayat members regarding rebuilding of infrastructure at another, safer place. 
The Panchayat members expressed that animal husbandry, being an integral part of livelihood in the area, re-locating of the Sub-Divisional Veterinary Complex including Piggery Farm needs to be done within this GPU, the release states. 
Also, members of Panchayat requested to rebuild the structures in the shortest possible time to cater to the needs of the people.
The Secretary, on behalf of the Department, handed over Rs. 25,000 to the Panchayat President as a token of help to be used for the relief camp being run at Chungthang. 
Similarly, Rs. 2,75,000 was handed over to Deputy Director , Chungthang, for immediate relief and restoration of certain works like water supply and temporary housing for livestock and staff out of the mobilization advance received by the Department from the LR&DM Department, the release adds.

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