Amritsar, July 31:

The opening of a road route between India and Pakistan through the Wagah border near here has run into a bovine hurdle. Exports by road from India to Pakistan started last Sunday with the first few bagfuls of garlic, and traders in this Sikh holy city were excited about things to come. But their enthusiasm flagged on learning that authorities on both sides of the Wagah check-post were chary about the transfer of livestock by road and what it would do to the roads before the eagerly watched retreat ceremony enacted by soldiers. “There will be hordes of animals every day — who will clean up the area well in time for the retreat ceremony to take place at sunset?” asked a Border Security Force officer. Pakistan has a huge demand for livestock, whose trade is expected to begin next week. Islamabad gave its nod in April to allow imports of onions, garlic, potatoes, tomatoes, meat and livestock.

Security officials at the joint check-post of both countries said that once the livestock trade got on the road, a one-km area on both sides of the border would be soiled with the excreta of these animals. The apprehension was conveyed to Indian exporters.

“Someone has to take the responsibility of clearing the mess left by animals to be physically taken into Pakistan,” said Rajdeep Uppal of Narayan Exports, who had already exported garlic through the land route. He said Indian exporters had received orders from traders in Pakistan for like goats, sheep, buffaloes, cows and camels in large numbers. “We had suggested to the authorities that another gate be made near the present gate to facilitate the movement of livestock and other trade items, so that no waste accumulates near the gate where the ceremony is held,” Uppal said. But senior officers at the check-post said this step would require a whole range of clearances from New Delhi. Making another gate would require round-the-clock security. Traders here, however, said no quarantine facilities had been set up on that side.