At least twenty sheep were discovered dead in the Tral area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district, believed to be due to toxic conditions. The sheep, owned by Bilal Ahmad from Seer Tral, were en route to a highland meadow in the Kehlil area of Tral when they perished. Shepherds mentioned that the sheep had grazed on potentially contaminated grass before collapsing.
The exact cause of the sheep’s deaths has not been officially confirmed, but the incident has sparked worry among shepherds and livestock owners who rely on seasonal grazing. This event follows a similar occurrence in the Yarigund area of Kawoosa in Budgam district, where eight sheep died under suspicious toxic circumstances in April. Authorities have launched an investigation into the matter.
Livestock owners are now calling for a comprehensive probe into chemical usage in grazing areas to prevent future losses. Locals are urging concerned departments to determine the cause of the deaths and support the affected shepherd. The excessive use of fungicides and pesticides in the Valley is posing environmental challenges, with questions arising about the safety of pesticide-sprayed apples.
