Wardha bans taking fodder out of the district as drought grips seven talukas

Wardha: With drought conditions declared in seven talukas, Collector and District Magistrate Vanmathi C has issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, to keep fodder available for local livestock. Large-scale transport, sale or dispatch of dry and green fodder from the district to other districts or outside Maharashtra is now banned.

The ban covers stover, chaff, green fodder, silage, straw and cattle feed. Transport for government fodder depots, government schemes, emergency livestock rescue and rehabilitation and the animal husbandry department's official arrangements is exempt, as is transport permitted in writing by the deputy commissioner of animal husbandry, though the permit must be carried. Anyone needing to send fodder out of the district must apply to the deputy commissioner with reasons, and permission will depend on the fodder available, the number of livestock and local needs.

Police, revenue, animal husbandry and agriculture officials and local authorities have been told to check vehicles carrying fodder. Moving fodder without permission can invite action under Section 51 of the Disaster Management Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and taluka animal husbandry officers and police inspectors will decide on seizing the fodder or vehicle.

Sources: Hindusthan Samachar; Tarun Bharat Nagpur