Nishar Mohammed
Sri Vijaya Puram, June 30: Responding to growing public concern over the increasing presence of stray pigs in residential areas of Sri Vijaya Puram, Chairperson of the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council, Mrs. M. Vasantha, and Senior Vice Chairperson Mr. V. Vetrivelu addressed the media on the issue, assuring that concrete steps are being taken to shift the animals away from the city while also addressing the concerns of pig farmers.
The issue recently gained attention after councillor of ward number 6 submitted a representation to the Municipal Council requesting that pigs roaming freely within the city be captured and relocated to the designated pig shelter at Brookshabad.
Speaking to the media, Mrs. M. Vasantha said the problem is not new and has been discussed on several occasions in the Council. She said a designated area for pig rearing was allotted at Brookshabad as far back as 2005, where pig farmers were expected to keep their animals. However, in recent years, pigs have increasingly been found roaming in various parts of the city, creating unhygienic conditions and causing inconvenience to residents.
She said the Municipal Council has received several complaints from the public regarding the issue, including the recent representation from Aziz Ur Rehman. Following these complaints, the Municipal Council, with the assistance of the Police Department, has already shifted some pigs from the city and will continue efforts to relocate more animals to the designated area at Brookshabad.
Senior Vice Chairperson Mr. V. Vetrivelu said the matter was discussed in detail during the Municipal Council meeting held recently. He stated that the Municipal Secretary has assured that the existing pig shelter at Brookshabad, which is presently in poor condition, will be repaired and provided with proper fencing before additional pigs are shifted there. The necessary records relating to the allotted land have also been called for, and steps are being taken to improve drinking water facilities and other basic infrastructure at the site.
He further said local councillors have expressed no objection to relocating pigs to the designated area, provided adequate fencing is put in place to prevent the animals from straying into nearby residential areas.
Mr. Vetrivelu reminded pig owners that government regulations prohibit pig rearing and breeding within city limits and appealed to them to cooperate with the Municipal Council in maintaining public health and sanitation. He also informed that several government schemes under the National Livestock Mission provide financial assistance, including subsidies of up to 50 percent, for pig farming. He urged pig farmers to approach the Municipal Council for guidance so they could benefit from these schemes while continuing their livelihood in designated areas.
The Municipal Council reiterated its commitment to maintaining a clean and healthy city while ensuring that the legitimate concerns and livelihoods of pig farmers are also protected through appropriate facilities and government support.
