Moga, 4 July 2025: District Magistrate-cum-Deputy Commissioner of Moga, Mr. Sagar Setia, exercising powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, has imposed a ban on the unauthorized storage, transportation, use, and sale of semen in both urban and rural areas of Moga district.
This order does not apply to:
- Veterinary institutions, animal hospitals/dispensaries, and polyclinics under the Department of Animal Husbandry, Punjab
- Rural veterinary hospitals under the Department of Rural Development and Panchayats, Punjab, which use semen supplied by the Animal Husbandry Department
- Artificial Insemination Centers operated by Punjab Milkfed and the College of Veterinary Science, GADVASU Ludhiana
- Any other AI centers using semen processed and supplied/imported by the Animal Husbandry Department, Punjab
- Members of the Progressive Dairy Farmers Association who have imported bovine semen solely for their own animals
Mr. Setia stated that the use of unauthorized semen is not in line with the state’s breeding policy, as it risks deteriorating the genetic quality of livestock due to unknown pedigree. This can negatively impact livestock productivity—not immediately—but over time, rendering the department’s long-term efforts to improve breeds ineffective.
Ban on Earth-Extraction Machinery Within 500 Meters of River Sutlej:
Under the same section of the law, the District Magistrate has also imposed a ban on bringing machinery used for soil extraction—such as JCBs, Poklane machines, trucks, and trolleys—within 500 meters of the Sutlej River and its embankments in Dharamkot Sub-Division, except in areas where the government has officially approved sand mining pits.
This order does not apply to government-approved guidelines for lifting soil from farmlands. Mr. Setia said that unauthorized soil extraction near riverbanks threatens embankments and bridges, posing risks of property damage and loss of life.
These restrictions will remain in force until August 31, 2025.
Summary:
Authorities have banned unlicensed storage, transport, use, and sale of fertilizers in both urban and rural areas to prevent illegal distribution, with strict inspections and penalties.