Govt to fund upkeep through MoUs with registered gaushalas
MAPUSA
Animal Husbandry Minister Nilkant Halarnkar has called on all panchayats and municipal councils across the State to formally partner with gaushalas under Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to tackle the growing stray cattle problem.
“Our systems are in place; panchayats and municipalities must cooperate,” said Halarnkar, emphasising that the government will bear all costs involved.
Halarnkar stated that the department pays Rs 150 per animal per day to registered gaushalas for the upkeep of stray bovines.
He cited the example of the gaushala at Shikeri-Bicholim, which is currently housing between 6,000 and 7,000 cattle under its care.
The minister’s remarks came as part of a broader outreach to local self-governing bodies, urging prompt action on MoUs so that gaushalas can formally take custody of stray cattle forwarded by panchayats and municipal councils.
He noted that once an application is received, the department’s formalities take about 15 days to complete.
Local bodies were reminded that before any MoU is signed, gaushalas must ensure they have the necessary land capacity to accommodate additional animals – a condition that has delayed some partnerships.
The drive to expand MoUs comes amid growing pressure from farmers, livestock owners, and municipal officials who say stray cattle – often abandoned or free-roaming – endanger crops, traffic, and public safety.
The increasing number of accidents caused by stray cattle squatting or roaming on roads has also been a cause for concern.
The minister said the programme was being scaled up to streamline stray cattle management and relieve local bodies of the expense and burden.
“Whatever funds they require for the upkeep of the animals will be provided by the government,” Halarnkar added, calling upon panchayats and municipalities to formally initiate the process so the MoUs can be executed “without delay.”
With the Shikeri gaushala already at high capacity and more local bodies yet to sign on, the minister’s call may mark a turning point in the State’s approach to the stray cattle challenge.
