Gehlot Urges Centre to Declare Lumpy Skin Disease in Cattle a National Calamity

Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot has written to the Centre requesting that the lumpy skin disease in cattle be declared a national calamity. The disease has killed a large number of cattle, particularly cows, in various parts of the country, including Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

The chief minister assured cattle owners, public representatives, and gaushala caretakers via online mode that there is no shortage of medicines to deal with the problem. According to a statement, Gehlot has written to the Centre requesting that the problem be declared a national calamity, and Union minister Parshottam Rupala has assured the state of full cooperation.

He stated that the animals that have died from lumpy skin disease are being disposed of in a scientific manner to prevent the infection from spreading. Control rooms have been established in all districts, and public awareness campaigns are being carried out to address public misconceptions about the disease, he said.

State Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Lalchand Kataria stated that continuous monitoring of the situation is taking place in all districts to ensure effective disease prevention. He stated that saving cows is the government's top priority.

According to the minister, approximately 8 lakh cows have been infected, with 7.40 lakh being treated. According to Kataria, the rate of infection in western Rajasthan is rapidly declining. Gulab Chand Kataria, the Leader of the Opposition, and Satish Poonia, the state BJP president, both suggested vaccination and disposal of dead animals.

According to the Animal Husbandry Department, 34,243 cattle have died in the state as a result of the disease. Earlier, Gehlot mentioned the state's heavy rainfall and stated that food, shelter, and other services were provided to those who had become homeless.

Deputy commissioners have been given instructions to assess the damage, he said. The chief minister also directed that the chief secretary monitor all arrangements, relief and rescue operations on a regular basis and prepare a memorandum to be sent to the Centre.