Bhuj: leading members of Jain community who believe in Jeevdaya have waged war against traditional export of goats and sheep to middle east countries from Tuna port of district Kutch in Gujarat.

Prani Kalyan Mandal’s Rajendra Shah has made representation in this regard before the Centre and State government.

According to him the government suffers loss in operation of Tuna port which is used only for export of sheep and goats.

Shah said, ‘in 2015-16 385 dhows were operated for export of 6,69,083 animals, revenue earned through which by government was Rs 75,42,488. In year 2016-17 375 dhows carried 7,18,528 animals while in 2017-18 349 dhows carried 7,22,472 animals. The total revenue earned by government through export of 21,10,083 animals was Rs 4.25 crore.

Shah who recently visited Tuna port with Bharat Prani Kalyan Mandal member Kamlesh Shah and Rajkot based member of Mandal Mittal Khetani said export of animals involve violation of Cruelty to Animal Act 1960, Central Motor Vehicles Act Rules 1989 clause 125E, international rules for coastal transport of animals. Rule of provision of quarantine is not followed. Animal health terrestrial code is being breached. State govt related rules are also being breached. Against permissible checkup of 96 animals per day, thousands of animals are checked for health everyday and certificates are granted.

Shah claimed that the government bears Rs 400-500 crore expenditure to maintain Tuna port every year against revenue of hardly Rs 1.75 crore. The port is maintained only for export of sheep and goats that are purchased from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradeah and Gujarat. The port operates during September to May period every year.

DeshGujarat