*Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla visits Gaushalas to review facilities and welfare measures*
*Chandigarh, February 10:-* City Mayor Mrs. Harpreet Kaur Babla, accompanied by Senior Deputy Mayor Sh. Jasbir Bunty, Deputy Mayor Smt. Taruna Mehta, Councillors Gurpreet Gapi and Prem Lata, along with Medical Officer of Health Dr. Inderdeep Kaur and concerned officials, conducted an inspection of the Gaushala in Raipur Kalan and Gaushala in Industrial Area, Phase-1.
During the visit, Dr. Inderdeep Kaur briefed the Mayor and team on the processes followed for the care of cows in the Gaushala and dogs at the ABC Centre. The current status of the Gaushalas was discussed in detail, highlighting various challenges faced in their management.
Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla raised critical concerns, including the absence of CCTV cameras, the quality and quantity of cow feed in both morning and evening shifts, and the availability of staff for animal care. She also emphasized the urgent need for veterinary doctors at the Gaushala for timely medical treatment of the animals. The Mayor further directed officials to improve the cleanliness and greenery in and around the Gaushalas and instructed the installation of fire safety equipment and CCTV cameras. Additionally, she stressed the importance of separating ill cows and newborn calves with their mothers for better care.
Dr. Inderdeep Kaur also apprised the Mayor of the financial constraints faced by the Municipal Corporation due to a drastic reduction in cow cess revenue. While the MC received Rs. 20.25 crore from the Excise Department in the financial year 2022-23, this amount dropped significantly to Rs. 5.78 crore in 2023-24 and is expected to further decline to Rs. 2.89 crore in 2024-25. This shortfall has placed a heavy financial burden on the MC, as the annual expenditure on cow welfare stands at approximately Rs. 12.64 crore.
Following Key Directives and Suggestions were given by the team:
1. Infrastructure Improvement: Repair and upgrade tin sheds in all Gaushalas to appropriate heights, with fans installed to protect cattle from heat and flies.
2. Animal Welfare: Ensure timely hoof trimming and proper feeding, with cows receiving 30 kg of fodder, 5 kg of straw, and 1 kg of feed. Pregnant cows and those that have given birth should receive 5 kg of feed.
3. Waste Management: Implement a proper disposal system for cow dung. The horticulture department can utilize it in parks, or a Gobar Dhan Yojana-supported biogas plant can be established to generate gas and organic fertilizer.
4. Fire Safety: Install electric panels with auto-cut mechanisms to prevent short circuits and related hazards.
5. Renewable Energy: Set up solar panels at all Gaushalas to reduce electricity expenses and promote sustainability.
6. Food Quality Monitoring: Deploy personnel to check food brought by animal lovers to prevent cows from consuming harmful substances.
7. Environmental Protection: Install Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) in all Gaushalas to ensure proper waste management and hygiene.
Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla directed the concerned officials to expedite all pending works and ensure immediate improvements for the well-being of the cattle and public safety.
The Mayor further directed the concerned officers to keep the calfs and ill cattle in separate sheds for their better care besides their proper treatment.
The MCC remains committed to enhancing the conditions of Gaushalas and addressing the financial challenges to maintain sustainable operations.
