Chandigarh: The Punjab Gaushala Mahasangh has demanded that the Punjab government immediately impose a ban on the hoarding of *tudi* (wheat straw/fodder) and take necessary steps, through proper arrangements, to save the livestock. Speaking to the media here today, the National President of the Goseva Mission, Swami Krishnanand Ji Maharaj, stated that a critically severe crisis regarding *tudi* and fodder for cows, buffaloes, and other livestock has currently emerged in Punjab.
According to sources, certain mill and factory operators have hoarded *tudi* and fodder on a massive scale, resulting in an acute shortage of fodder in the market. The situation is becoming increasingly dire with each passing day. If the government does not bring this under control immediately, this situation could pose a threat to the lives of thousands of animals.
He further asserted that the moral responsibility for any animal deaths resulting from this fodder scarcity would lie with the concerned administration and the government. Therefore, a humble appeal is made to the Punjab government to immediately ban the hoarding of fodder and to take the necessary measures—by making appropriate arrangements—to save the livestock.
Swami Krishnanand Ji Maharaj noted that, although the state government is collecting funds through the 'Gau Upkar' (Cow Cess), reports indicate that the fodder crisis persists because registered *gaushalas* (cow shelters) are not receiving adequate assistance in a timely manner.
During this period of intense summer heat, ensuring the availability of fodder for cattle is becoming a major challenge, leaving many *gaushalas* grappling with financial and resource crises.
The Punjab Gaushala Mahasangh has been consistently demanding that the administration provide regular supplies of fodder and financial assistance to *gaushalas* so that the cattle can be saved from perishing. Due to the severe shortage of fodder, cow-care organizations are finding themselves unable to even arrange for fodder privately through their own means. Swami Krishnanand Ji Maharaj stated that due to a shortage of *tudi* (wheat straw), its prices are skyrocketing, placing a significant financial burden on dairy farmers and livestock owners. Furthermore, the hoarding of *tudi* by fodder traders is forcing ordinary livestock owners to wander from door to door in search of fodder.
Swami Krishnanand Ji Maharaj alleged that numerous cardboard factories, brick kilns, and coal-fired boilers in Punjab have purchased *tudi* on a massive scale directly from farmers' fields. Consequently, *gaushalas* (cow shelters) are unable to procure *tudi*, whereas previously they could obtain it with ease. He warned that millions of cattle are on the verge of starvation.
“We appeal to the Punjab government to impose a ban on the purchase of *tudi* by cardboard factories, brick kilns, and coal-fired boilers, so that *gaushalas* may secure fodder for their cattle. We also demand the release of the funds collected through the ‘Gau Upkar’ (Cow Cess) to the *gaushalas*—funds amounting to crores of rupees that the Punjab government has amassed from various sources, to which the government itself has made no contribution. The Cow Cess funds are currently being diverted for other purposes. The financial condition of *gaushalas* in Punjab—including even the government-run shelters—is dire. The state government must immediately release the Cow Cess funds to the *gaushalas*.”
By permitting cardboard factories to purchase *tudi* on a massive scale, the state government is demonstrating an inhumane attitude toward cattle, effectively condemning them to death by starvation. For the welfare of Punjab and the preservation of its livestock, the government must immediately heed our demands.
We also urge the Pollution Control Board to take action against those factories that are burning *tudi* for commercial purposes, as the burning of fodder intended for livestock is an illegal act.
Should the Punjab government fail to fulfill our demands, we will be left with no alternative but to launch a protest movement. Swami Krishnanand Ji Maharaj stated that they are giving the State Government a two-day deadline to consider their demands; failing to do so, they will be compelled to picket the residences of the Punjab Chief Minister, ministers, and MLAs.
If, within these two days, the State Government does not invite them for a dialogue regarding their demands, then on the upcoming Saturday, the *Gausevaks* (cow-care volunteers) and *Gaushala* (cow shelter) owners of Punjab—led by Shiv Nandi—will march to picket the residences in their respective districts.