By Muhammad Kashan
It’s been a tradition in Eid-ul-Azha that such Mandis are organized on a grand scale all around the country in all cities. Being a Religious festival such Mandis are authorized by the district, provincial and federal government.
Cattle Mandis are part of our culture since ages; historically Mandis has always been established since the Mughal era. These Mandis are organized at the village, union council, tehsil and by municipal corporations.
For the facilitation of the general public as well as the cattle traders, organizational bodies make arrangements for security and public amenities such as bathrooms, water availability, electricity, parking areas, etc. There is also a complaint office to facilitate Cattle traders regarding issues they are facing will be sorted in 24 hours.
Such arrangements include maintenance of mandi areas, security, sanitation, regular cleanliness, traffic control and maintaining law and order are through different contractors. A media centre has also been made for the media personals who came to cover the Mandi season.
All these arrangements have costs which are borne by the organizing bodies. These Mandis also provide employment to the poor masses on a grand scale. This also includes salaries of around 5000 employees of mandi, and security arrangements, etc.
The Mandi Administration also organize an official opening ceremony of the Maweshi Mandi, in which some beautiful and heavy bulls and calves from VIP cattle do the catwalk. A large number of Karachi Citizens also come to see this beautiful opening ceremony.
Karachi mandi is the largest in the country that requires colossal efforts, arrangements including coordination amongst all government departments to organize it in an effective and smooth way. Such a mega event amounts to establishing a temporary city on an area of 900 acres which includes total 48 Blocks which has been divided into 16 Vip blocks and 32 general blocks.
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Last year Pakistan cricket team captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shahid Afridi also visited the Vip blocks and purchased cattle for Eid-ul-Azha. Till now more than fifteen thousand cattle have already arrived at Mandi, while the expected numbers are above 3 million bulls and calves will be bought for sale.
Telephone, Mobile and ATM services
Telephone and cellular services providers will also erect mobile towers in the mandi. Approximately there would be around 8-10 ATM booths in the mandi. These ATMs booths would go a long way in facilitating the general public by giving them access to cash at the Mandi for purchasing cattle.
Medical Camps
To ensure the highest levels of health, hygiene and health of the general public as well as cattle, regular spray and fumigation for mosquito and flies are conducted. This also acts as a deterrent against Congo virus. A mobile hospital and ambulance service are also being provided to handle any emergency cases on the spot.
Vehicle Parking
A very huge area allocated for Bike and Car parking with proper security and lighting also provided to facilitate the people coming to Mandi for purchase or outing purpose. The Bike parking fee is Rs. 30 and the Car parking fee is Rs. 50.
