Municipal body sets up stray cattle shelter

As part of its drive to eliminate stray cattle from the city by October, the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon has set up a cow shelter — Gurugram Gaushala on six acres, where about 400 stray cows, oxen and calf, that were caught wandering have been kept.

As part of its drive to eliminate stray cattle from the city by October, the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) has set up a cow shelter — Gurugram Gaushala on six acres, where about 400 stray cows, oxen and calf, that were caught wandering have been kept.

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According to MCG officials, Gurgaon has about 5,000 stray cattle such as cows and oxen. Pigs are not included in it, as for them the MCG has a different plan.

MCG has also installed CCTV cameras, which would soon be connected to MCG website (www.mcg.gov.in) with the help of broadband connectivity, to allow anyone to view the cow shelter from anywhere in the world.

However, for those who spot stray cattle on the roads or in their vicinity and want them to be transported, MCG has also set up a helpline (except for Sundays) number — 9717693915.

The MCG has tied up with a social organization Vishnu Charitable Trust (VCT) that is bearing the upkeep expanse of the cattle so caught and kept in the cow shelter, that has come up at the MCG land in village Karterpuri.

“We have set up sheds, fodder stores, water storage tanks and wandering spaces inside the six-acre complex for the cattle,” said RK Khullar, commissioner, MCG.

AG Sharma VCT said there were 170 cows, 163 oxen and 56 calfs in the shelter, as on Sunday.

MCG charges Rs. 1500 as penalty and Rs. 300 per day as upkeep charges from those who deliberately leave their cattle to wander.