Mundra (Gujarat), Aug.7 : Tata Power, India’s largest integrated power company, recently organised the seventh mega annual camel vaccination camp under its Kanthi Area Livelihood Programme (KALP) in collaboration with the animal husbandry department of Bhuj.
The camp was organised through Tata Power’s wholly-owned subsidiary Coastal Gujarat Power (CGPL).
The objective of the programme is to augment the income generation prospects of locals engaged in animal husbandry and to support the communities across Tunda, Vandh, Mota Kandagra and Nanabhadia villages that are largely dependent on livestock.
Designed with a programmatic approach towards sustainable development, the programme also aims to improve the health conditions of camels by providing necessary vaccinations and educating villagers and cattle breeders on animal health and care.
The event witnessed the participation of five doctors, four livestock managers and nine helpers from the district animal husbandry department along with CGPL volunteers. Close to 600 camels were vaccinated with Ivermectin – Skin Discs and Triquin – Antisara Five, of which 32 camels were of the Kharai breed, a camel breed which is becoming extinct.
Speaking about the initiative, K K Sharma, ED and CEO, CGPL, said, “Tata Power is committed to the sustainable development of the local communities in and around its project areas. The philosophy of Tata Power is ‘Leadership with Care’, where we work with the community to attain inclusive development and sustainable future. The annual camel vaccination camp for livestock has been providing health care facilities along with regular vaccination drives for seven years now. Through this initiative we plan to provide our continuous support to the communities who are largely dependent on livestock as a source of income and are committed towards eradication of the health hazards at an early stage of the livestock.”
The company has taken several initiatives to improve the health of the deteriorating conditions of the Kutchi camels along with yielding and feeding of these livestock. Major diseases including Trypanaosomiasis, skin infections, arthritis, gastro-intestinal problems, miscarriage and respiratory infections are prevalent in Kutchi camels. The mortality rate is also quite high among calves due to diarrhea, stomach pain, pre-mature birth and malnourishment. Livestock farming of animals such as cows, buffaloes and camels is the major source of income for locals from the area. However, most of such animal breeders neither provide vaccines nor take preventive measures for their animals, which cause serious health problems.
The CGPL volunteers assisted in implementing the programme and intimated the villagers and animal breeders on the vaccination camp two months in advance. Local leaders, PRI members, community members and CGPL volunteers actively participated in the programme and supported the event. (ANI)