Tragic Loss: 20 Sheep Found Dead in Tral, Kashmir Amid Pesticide Concerns

Srinagar, June 12: On Friday, at least 20 sheep were discovered dead under suspicious circumstances in the Tral area of Pulwama district, Jammu and Kashmir.

Officials reported that the sheep, owned by a local shepherd, died in what appears to be a pesticide-related incident, raising serious concerns about the safety of grazing lands.

The sheep belonged to Bilal Ahmed, a resident of Sir Tral. They were reportedly being taken to higher pastures in the Kehleel area when the incident occurred.

Witnesses claim that shortly before their deaths, the sheep consumed grass suspected to be contaminated with pesticides. Although the exact cause of death has not been officially confirmed, all 20 sheep perished soon after.

This incident has sparked alarm among shepherds and livestock owners, many of whom rely on seasonal grazing routes for their livelihoods.

The event comes less than two months after a similar occurrence in the Yari Gund area of Kawusa in Budgam district, where eight sheep died under suspicious circumstances on April 26. The police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into both incidents.

Repeated occurrences of such incidents have prompted livestock owners to demand a thorough investigation into the use of chemicals in grazing areas to prevent future losses.

Local residents have urged relevant authorities to determine the cause of the deaths and provide adequate support to the affected shepherd.

The excessive use of fungicides and pesticides in the valley’s fruit orchards poses a significant environmental challenge. Concerns are also being raised about the safety of apples treated with these chemicals, leading some to question whether they are safe for consumption.

The widespread application of these substances is beginning to infiltrate the food chain. Experts warn that without immediate corrective measures, this trend could lead to a major disaster. They emphasize the urgent need to adopt organic farming practices to sustain the local horticulture industry.

Meanwhile, shepherds remain anxious and seek answers regarding the cause of the sudden deaths of their sheep.