PANAJI:
Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Nilkant Halarnkar, has acknowledged the growing challenges faced by gaushalas in managing stray cattle, citing inadequate support as a key concern.
“Stray cattle are causing many accidents, and gaushalas often complain about the lack of assistance while lifting them. To address this, the department has assured full support for the transportation and accommodation of stray cattle,” he stated, adding that inspections have already been conducted to streamline the process.
The government has instructed gaushalas to prioritize removing stray cattle at night, particularly during December, to reduce accidents during the busy season. Halarnkar revealed that approximately 8,000 stray cattle remain on the streets, even as gaushalas accommodate a similar number. “We will keep a check on the gaushalas after 8 to 10 days of pickup to ensure the situation remains under control,” he added.
To incentivize cattle rearing, the government is offering a daily payment of Rs 80 per head for households that shelter at least five local cows. Halarnkar stressed that this scheme is part of broader efforts to reduce stray cattle numbers and encourage the rearing of local breeds.
The minister also highlighted the introduction of police protection during cattle management and proposed maintaining records to address concerns about the whereabouts of relocated cows. While radium reflectors were suggested to spot cattle at night, Halarnkar asserted, “The best solution is to get stray cattle off the streets entirely.”
Halarnkar called for panchayats and municipalities to enter agreements with gaushalas and compensate them accordingly, with financial assistance provided by the government.
