Bihar sets up its first shelter for cows

At a time when "gau raksha" has emerged as a dominant national narrative, Bihar has chosen to go the "gau sewa" (be of service to cows) way by setting up the first state-run shelter for stray cattle in Patna.

The shelter — Shrikrishna Gaushala, located in Patna City — has come up at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's behest, for taking care of cattle that are abandoned after they stop milking. Kumar had earlier challenged cow vigilantes to first take care of stray bovines before talking of "gau raksha" (cow protection).

Kumar had cited the example of neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, where stray cattle were found on four-lane expressways and many had died due to consuming plastics, and attacked the cow vigilantes for making it a political issue.

The cowshed has a capacity to accommodate about 500 cows, where they will be fed, given medical aid and taken care of. "The shelter was started on Tuesday and around 50 cows, which were found wandering on Patna's streets, have been moved into it so far," a Patna Municipal Corporation official told DNA.

At present, the district administration is focusing on the identification of all abandoned cows. "The municipal officials concerned have been asked to identify stray/abandoned cattle in their area and put a red mark on them and ensure that they are safely relocated to the cowshed," Patna District Magistrate Sanjay Kumar Agarwal said.

"Besides their lodging and good quality feed, a veterinary doctor will visit the cowshed every Tuesday and a medical assistant every Thursday. The state government will provide the funds for the upkeep of the shelter," he said, and added that basic cleanliness will also be maintained at the shelter. Caretakers will be on duty round-the-clock to cater to the needs of the cows.

The government has also planned to tighten the noose around cattle owner who abandon their cows after they stop giving milk. Such owner will be fined Rs 5,000 by the district administration and the fine will increase if they repeat the offence. Even cattle that are left to wander on the roads from morning to evening will be picked up by the district administration, and returned to their owners only after paying due fine.

According to official sources, Patna's Shrikrishna Gaushala has been launched as a pilot project, which will be replicated in other districts depending on its success.