Officials blamed as livestock fail to cope up with Nilgiris climate

While the scheme has helped several rural families to improve their monthly income, it has suffered back to back jolts as the goats, cows and the country hens given in tribal pockets have recorded high mortality rate, as they struggle to cope with the climatic conditions of Western Ghats.

According to official sources, the matter has been brought to the attention of district Collector Innocent Divya who has sought a report from the field officials. Sources also confirmed that more than 25 per cent of the milch cows and goats supplied in the past two years had died due to acclimatisation issue.

Gudalur MLA M Thiravidamani had also complained to the Animal Husbandry secretary K Gopal, alleging that the Veterinary department officials have siphoned off the money given to the poultry beneficiaries as training stipend. In his constituency, the Rs 150 per person that should be paid as training amount was siphoned off from 800 beneficiaries by officials, the MLA alleged in his complaint on July 22.

“There have been instances of private dairy farms failing in Ooty as the livestock often fail to survive the cold climatic conditions. More scientific approach is required, and brood stock bought for the livestock schemes should be locally procured so that such animals adapt for the hilly terrain,” said Madras High Court advocate ‘Elephant’ G Rajendran. Rajendran, who has filed public interest litigations for the elephant corridor in the Nilgiris, also demanded in-depth study on domestic animals introduced to the district, as the area is ecologically sensitive surrounded by tiger reserves.

Animal Husbandry department officials confirmed that the issue has reached the State top brass for inquiry and department secretary Gopal had also pulled up officials for the shortcomings in implementing the scheme.

When contacted, Gopal said 3,600 goats were given to 850 beneficiaries in three blocks in Ooty during 2018-19. Of this, only 352 goats had died due to acclimatisation issues. Special teams have been formed for continuous follow up till the animals acclimatise to the new environment, he added.

At present, mortality is arrested due to doorstep vaccination and all the ailing animals are provided continuous treatment. Regarding the poultry, there was no major mortality, Gopal said. However, more special training programme on best practices is planned in the coming days. All the livestock distribution programmes are now scheduled during the month of March so that the mortality due to cold climate is averted, the official said, adding insurance process has been initiated as compensation for the dead animals and for replacing them.