Subhash Mahajan
Chamba
Dr. Janak Raj, MLA from Bharmour-Pangi, has raised serious concerns over the unchecked influx of sheep and goats from Rajasthan into Himachal Pradesh, calling it a direct threat to the livelihood of local pastoralists. He warned that if the government fails to act swiftly, the state’s traditional sheep-rearing industry could face extinction.
Speaking to reporters, Dr. Raj alleged that livestock from Rajasthan is entering Himachal without verification, policy oversight, or scientific control, thereby flooding local markets and undermining native breeders. “This unregulated trade is damaging the income, market access, and future of Himachali pastoralists,” he said, adding that the government’s silence is worsening the crisis.
He emphasized that the low-cost sale of outside livestock is devaluing Himachali breeds and pushing local shepherds to the margins. “This is not just an economic issue—it threatens the preservation of indigenous breeds and increases the risk of disease transmission,” he said, urging the government to implement immediate scientific and legal safeguards.
Dr. Raj accused the administration of favoring external traders while neglecting genuine local breeders. “This injustice will not be tolerated,” he declared.
Issuing a stern warning, Dr. Raj said that if no action is taken, local pastoralists will be forced to protest. “I will stand with the community and fight for Himachal’s rights—from the streets to the assembly,” he affirmed.
He called on the Chief Minister and the Animal Husbandry Department to convene an urgent meeting and provide both economic and legal protection to local livestock owners. “If the government fails to respond, I will be compelled to support a full-scale agitation,” he concluded.
