Sitagaon (Chhattisgarh) [India], May 30 (HBTV): In a significant step to enhance rural development and welfare, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has inaugurated a free field veterinary hospital in Sitagaon, located in the Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected Mohla Manpur region.

The initiative comes shortly after a visit by the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to the area.

The new facility, launched by the ITBP’s 27th Battalion, is the first of its kind in the region and aims to meet the long-pending veterinary healthcare needs of nearly 20 surrounding villages.

With agriculture and livestock forming the backbone of local livelihoods, the hospital is expected to significantly boost animal health and productivity in the area.

Commandant Vivek Kumar Pandey of the 27th Battalion stated that the hospital will offer free treatment for over 12,000 animals and will be staffed by veterinary specialists and medical personnel.

During the hospital's inauguration, a large number of villagers arrived with their animals. Alongside the launch, ITBP personnel organised awareness campaigns on hygiene, child health, nutrition, and environmental conservation. Villagers were also encouraged to maintain cleanliness and take part in tree plantation drives to help protect the local environment.

This veterinary hospital complements ITBP’s existing field hospital for humans in Sitagaon, which has provided free healthcare services to over 2,100 residents from more than 20 villages within a year. The human medical facility also supports Aadhaar verification and treats illnesses such as malaria, infections, injuries, and chronic diseases.

During his visit to the Sitagaon COB on May 16, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the ITBP’s 15-year-long commitment to promoting peace and development in the region.

With this new veterinary initiative, the ITBP continues to broaden its engagement beyond security operations, solidifying its role as a key partner in the region’s growth and welfare.

(ANI)