By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 29 May: In a significant move to safeguard the welfare of equines during the Kedarnath Yatra, the Uttarakhand High Court has mandated that horse and mule operations in Kedarnath be confined strictly to the daylight hours. This directive prohibits the use of equines before sunrise and after sunset, aiming to prevent undue exertion and ensure adequate rest for the animals. The Tehsil administration of Ukhimath and the Animal Husbandry Department are actively monitoring compliance with this order.
It may be recalled that the Yatra had faced early challenges this year due to an outbreak of equine influenza. Over 1,000 horses and mules were quarantined after exhibiting flu-like symptoms, leading to the suspension of equine services for several days. The Animal Husbandry Department had responded promptly, implementing health screenings and quarantine protocols to contain the spread of the disease. Only animals certified as healthy by veterinary doctors are now permitted to operate on the pilgrimage route.
The pilgrimage season was marred by the deaths of at least 20 horses and mules (the figure is an unofficial claim) on the Kedarnath route shortly after the Char Dham Yatra commenced on 30 April. These fatalities, suspected to be caused by equine influenza, led authorities to impose an interim ban on equine operations to prevent further spread of the disease and address animal welfare concerns.
To ensure the well-being of equines, seven teams of veterinary doctors have been deployed at various points along the Yatra route. These teams claim to conduct regular health check-ups, and only those animals that receive a fitness certificate are allowed to ferry pilgrims. Currently, approximately 5,000 horses and mules are operational, with an additional 1,000 kept in reserve for transporting goods.
The authorities also claim to have taken strict actions against handlers who neglect the welfare of their animals. To date, 215 operators have been fined for not providing adequate care, and 16 individuals have faced FIRs for cruelty towards equines. Furthermore, 469 horses and mules found unfit for the journey have been removed from service. The High Court has directed the state government to formulate a policy to blacklist operators who subject their animals to cruelty, emphasising that mere fines are insufficient deterrents.
Despite the initial setbacks, equine operations have generated significant revenue. In the first month of the Yatra alone, horse and mule services have contributed approximately Rs 40 crores to the local economy. This figure underscores the critical role that equine transport plays in facilitating the pilgrimage and supporting livelihoods in the region.
