Bhopal: Kamdhenu Niwas To House 5000 Cattle Each In Districts; Government Comes Up With Sustainable Solution To Clear Roads Of Stray Cattle

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): With Monsoon comes a host of problems, and one of the most persistent is the menace of cattle straying and squatting on the road. These animals cause traffic hazards, and pose serious risk of fatal accidents.

During the rains, herds of cattle can often be seen squatting in the middle of busy roads, posing a serious threat to commuters. The administration does take steps to check this menace, however, the results have not been very encouraging.

In a bid to find a sustainable solution, the government has decided to rope in private players to establish  - ‘Kamdhenu Niwas’-  the huge cow shelter spread over 125 acres which will be able to  accommodate  around 5,000 stray cattle. This initiative will be first of its kind in the country. Initially, the initiative will be implemented in 20 to 22 selected districts, with remaining districts to follow. Tenders for setting up ‘Kamdhenu Niwas’ will be floated shortly.

According to a rough estimate by Gau Samvardhan Board, there were around 8.54 lakh stray cattle in 2019, and the number is believed to have increased substantially since then.

Currently, there are around 3000 Gau Shalas across the state and out of these 2200 are functioning with a capacity to house 100 cattle each.

Minor repair and maintenance work is underway in the remaining 800 Gau Shalas and they are likely to become functional in a month or two. These 800 Gau Shala will be able to accommodate around 80,000 cattle more.

Besides the stray cattle, there are a large number of cattle disowned by farmers. During rains, these cattle take shelter on roads which mostly remain dry.

MinisterSpeak

Acknowledging the issue while talking to Free Press, animal husbandry minister Lakhan Patel said that the government has come out with a plan to deal with the issue in an effective manner.  

“A scheme will be rolled out wherein private players will be roped in to establish ‘Kamdhenu Niwas’. To house 5000 cattle, 125 acres of land will be given to them. Besides, other facilities will also be offered to the investors. 

They can also keep good breed cattle for milk production, can produce CNG gas and manure,” said the minister.  In districts with ‘Kamdhenu Niwas’, not a single cattle will be seen on the road, said the minister. Already, Baba Ramdev, a Dubai based company and a business tycoon has assured to support the initiative, he stated.

Achieving a permanent solution to the issue will take at least one-and-half years, the minister added.