Sunday, 20 August 2023 | PNS | PAURI
While checking the horses and mules being used to transport pilgrims to and from Kedarnath on Saturday, the authorities caught a mule operator who was using a wounded equine to transport goods on the track. During the Char Dham Yatra season so far, the authorities have found about 469 horses and mules to be unfit.
An injured horse being used by Najibabad (UP) native Bakar Ahmed was found being used to carry goods by the mule task force sector officer and District Disaster Response Force personnel on the Kedarnath route. The equine was sent for treatment to Gaurikund was a challan was issued to Ahmed. The officials also found seven horses and mules with wounds on their backs and legs. These equines were also sent for treatment.
The Rudraprayag chief veterinary officer Ashok Kumar said that ouf of the 15,651 equines inspected by the Animal Husbandry department in the area so far, 469 were found unfit for the Kedarnath pilgrimage. He said that FIRs have been lodged against 16 operators and challans had been issued to 215 owners and operators of the equines. The department has also treated 3,730 equines on the Yatra route so far, he averred. Gaurikund sector officer Anil Kumar said that the equines on the route are being checked regularly. Those found injured are removed from work and sent for treatment while their operators are challaned.
