Telangana to allow 84 lakh sheep to graze in forest areas

The state government has decided to allow 84 lakh sheep, which will be distributed to the sheep rearers in the state within the next two years, into forests for their food.

HYDERABAD: The state government has decided to allow 84 lakh sheep, which will be distributed to the sheep rearers in the state within the next two years, into forests for their food. There is a ban on sheep entering into forests at present.

“Despite this, now the sheep will be allowed to graze in the forest,” Animal Husbandry minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav told reporters here on Thursday. He said forests is spread across one crore acres in the state and 45,000 were available leaving hills. “The sheep can enter into forests and eat grass on these 45,000 acres of forest land,” he added.

Collectors of all districts were asked to purchase sheep from neighbouring states and the distribution of sheep would commence on June 20 this year. “We are also launching 100 mobile vet clinics. These vehicles will provide medicines to sheep,” the minister added. Srinivas Yadav said that committees at village level with MRO, MPDO and VAS was constituted for providing membership to the eligible sheep rearers and also for distribution of sheep.

The sheep would be purchased in neighbouring states and they will be geo-tagged and insured at the place of purchase itself. The government is encouraging the growing of stylo grass at all the vacant lands and also in agriculture lands.

Govt’s announcement irks wildlife activists
The blatant announcement by the State government that it will allow grazing by 84 lakh sheep in all forest areas has irked wildlife activists. As per the Wildlife Protection Act, grazing is allowed only at sanctuaries, that too with permission of the state’s Chief Wildlife Warden. Grazing is completely prohibited in National Parks. In reserve forests, it is allowed based on special permission given to certain communities.

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