By TC News Desk
Agartala, 25th August 2024: The devastating floods in the state have severely impacted the Animal Resource Development Department, with preliminary reports indicating substantial losses worth Rs 23 Crores across the state.
During a press conference held in Secretariat on Sunday, Deepa D. Nair, Secretary of the Animal Resource Development Department, revealed the extent of the damage caused by the recent floods.
She said that according to the report, 1,454 cows, 1,382 pigs and goats, 2,53,500 chickens have died.
The official said that nine infrastructure facilities of the department have been damaged.
“2,837 animal and poultry farms have been affected, 10 tons of animal feed were damaged and 80 hectares of fodder area have been destroyed. The total estimated loss is Rs 16.85 crore, with an additional loss of Rs 6.65 crore attributed to medicines and vaccines. In total, the damages amount to Rs 23.50 crore”, she said.
She said that in response to the crisis, the department has set up 148 relief camps for animals across the state.
“Currently, 8,581 cows are being housed in these camps, and 22.1 tonnes of fodder have been distributed free of charge. 136 animal treatment camps have been conducted, and efforts are ongoing to support affected animal husbandmen under the Chief Minister Animal Resources Development Scheme. To address the post-flood challenges, the department is organizing additional camps with veterinarians in the affected areas and is working to raise awareness among animal husbandry practitioners. Several other recovery plans are also being implemented to mitigate the impacts of this natural disaster”, she added.