Now, CRPF to battle cattle problems too

RAIPUR: CRPF Battalion-85 inaugurated the first of its kind free veterinary assistance centre in Bastar area on Monday.

This will help the villagers in Maoist-hit areas of Bijapur-Gangaloor axis in

Chhattisgarh

to get their animals treated free of cost. Battalion-85 commandant Sudheek Kumar said, "The Veterinary Assistance Centre is set up at Pamalwaya, at Gangloor axis. Officer Sh. Manir Khan, (assistant commandant) will head the centre. He has already served as an assistant veterinary officer in Punjab government before joining CRPF. Basic help for animals, assistance will be provided to people. In case additional assistance is needed, the animals will be referred to appropriate government facility that provides free or subsidized services."

"During the inauguration, a function was held, and lunch was organized for the villagers. Items like umbrella, blankets, utensils and clothes were distributed. The Battalion is trying to bridge the gap between people and security forces," he said.

The Battalion started the veterinary assistance centre as villagers have not been taking advantage of the services of veterinary hospital at Bijapur due to lack of approachable road, infrequent public transport, said an officer.

Talking to TOI, a veterinary hospital doctor Suresh Sahu said "There are seven veterinary hospitals in Bijapur district but only two doctors are available for the animals. There is a huge crunch of veterinary doctors here".