CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: A meeting was organized under the chairmanship of Ram Raghuvanshi, Member of the Animal Welfare Board of India and Chairman of the Slaughterhouse Committee and the Department of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India. The meeting was attended by Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh, District Panchayat CEO Rituraj Singh, IPS Pramod Kumar Sinha, and other concerned officials.

It was informed during the meeting that there are a total of 21 government-run gaushalas (cow shelters) and 20 privately or NGO-operated gaushalas in Bhopal district, housing over 5,000 cattle. Member Ram Raghuvanshi suggested that connecting all gaushalas in Bhopal with social organizations could establish a model for the entire country. He emphasized that cow service is a supreme act of worship and that prominent members of society, cow lovers, and caregivers can contribute significantly to ensuring better care for the cattle.

The operation of gaushalas involves three critical components: water supply, fodder availability, and efficient human resource management. It was suggested that all gaushalas be linked to the Jal Jeevan Mission to ensure adequate water supply. Cow lovers and caregivers can support human resource management, while farmers in rural areas using grazing land for farming can donate their surplus fodder to gaushalas.

Additionally, a dedicated Gau Samadhi Sthal (cow cremation ground) should be established in all gaushalas for the respectful burial of deceased cows according to traditional scriptures. This model could set an exemplary standard nationwide.

For identification purposes, it was recommended to use color coding during the animal census, differentiating rural and gaushala cattle. Gaushala cattle horns would be painted one color, while those of private cattle owners would be painted another. Raghuvanshi stressed the importance of serving cows with a pure heart, noting that managing a gaushala is akin to penance. He urged cow owners not to abandon elderly cows on the streets and instead care for them like aging parents.

The meeting was attended by the Police Commissioner of Bhopal City, CEO of District Panchayat Bhopal, Commissioner of Municipal Corporation, Superintendent of Police (Rural), Divisional Forest Officer, Deputy Director of the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department, Assistant Labor Commissioner, Executive Engineer of the Public Health Engineering Department, operators of private gaushalas, animal lovers, and NGO officials.

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