New Delhi (Agency): In a recent move to protect the welfare of animals, the Uttarakhand High Court has issued new guidelines to the state government. These rules are aimed at stopping the cruelty faced by horses and mules used by handlers and owners on the Chardham Yatra route.
The Chardham Yatra is a significant pilgrimage journey for many. But there have been reports that the animals used for transport on this route face harsh conditions. They are often overworked, made to carry more than they can handle, and do not receive proper care.
The High Court stated: “We are of the view that mere fining of the handlers or filing cases against them for inflicting cruelty to animals, is not sufficient to rein in and discipline the erring handlers/owners of equines.” They believe that the fines are too small, and cases can take a long time to solve. This means that many animal handlers continue to harm animals for profit without fear of real punishment.
Because of this, the court has proposed a new system. Handlers or owners who are found guilty of mistreating their animals will be blacklisted. This means they will no longer be allowed to work on the Chardham Yatra route.
This decision came after a petition was filed by animal rights activist Gauri Maulekhi and social worker Ajay Gautam. They shared that 600 horses died during the Char Dham Yatra. This not only showed cruelty to the animals but also posed a danger of diseases spreading in the region. The two activists asked for better medical care and safety measures for both animals and people.
Responding to this, the court gave a list of rules. One of these is that animals must rest at night and can only work for one shift each day. They also ordered health check-ups for the animals before they start their journey. The court wants to make sure that the animals have warm water, a good place to stay, and access to veterinary care.
Moreover, only licensed mules will be allowed to work in the area. To enforce this, barricades and checkpoints will be set up on the Yatra route. Only animals and handlers that are registered can cross these barriers. This ensures that all animals on the route are being treated fairly and correctly.
The government has agreed to these new rules. They informed the court that currently, 5,000 mules have a license to work in the area. But the people who raised the petition believe there are many more mules working without official permission.
The Uttarakhand High Court’s decision emphasizes the importance of animal welfare. The new rules hope to ensure that animals used in the Chardham Yatra are treated with care and respect.