Bhubaneswar: The state government has so far facilitated the construction of 37 new gaushalas to tackle the growing problem of abandoned bulls and stray cattle damaging crops, the Assembly was informed Wednesday.
In a written reply, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik said, “The increasing use of tractors in agriculture has reduced the need for bullocks, prompting many farmers to abandon bulls, which subsequently roam freely and cause crop damage.”
The government has introduced the “Establishment of Goshala” scheme under which Animal Welfare Organisations, NGOs and urban local bodies (ULBs) are provided financial assistance covering 90 per cent of the construction cost.
Under the scheme, assistance of Rs 20 lakh is provided for gaushalas with a capacity of 50 stray and helpless cattle, while Rs 36 lakh and Rs 52 lakh are provided for facilities accommodating 100 and 150 cattle, respectively.
There are currently 95 registered gaushalas functioning in Odisha, the minister said.
For food, treatment and upkeep of bulls, sick cattle and stray animals housed in these facilities, the government provides financial support under its “Support to Private Gaushala” scheme at approximately Rs 54 per day per Adult Cattle Unit (ACU).