Div Com reviews action taken for rehabilitation of mule owners

Jammu, May 25: Divisional Commissioner Jammu Sanjeev Verma today chaired a meeting to review action taken towards rehabilitation of mule owners plying on Shri Mata Vaishno Devi track.
The Government has decided to rehabilitate these ponywalas as National Green Tribunal issued certain guidelines for preservation of ecology around the shrine.
The meeting was attended by Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Simran Deep Singh, DG RDD, Rehana Batul, and senior functionaries of Urban Local Bodies, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, EDI and other concerned while Deputy Commissioner Reasi along with concerned officers.
A threadbare discussion was held on the draft policy made by DC Reasi for rehabilitation of mule owners. It was informed that DC Reasi has formulated a plan for phasing out mule owners.
The CEO informed that total 4000 animals are presently registered of which a small number of ponies are plying on the track daily.
The Div Com asked DC Reasi to constitute teams comprising officers from concerned departments for imparting skill development training to the displaced mule owners. He further asked for providing financial assistance to them for opting self employment and earning livelihood under various government schemes.