Hoshiarpur: Punjab Gau Sewa Commission Vice Chairman **Keemti Bhagat** said that stray, abandoned, and destitute cattle roaming on roads and public places across the state will soon be shifted to government and private gaushalas. The initiative aims to provide relief to the public while also preventing road accidents and saving precious lives.
Addressing a meeting with administrative officials and representatives of gaushala management committees at the District Administrative Complex, Hoshiarpur, Keemti Bhagat said that, following the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, a comprehensive plan is being implemented to ensure proper care and management of stray and abandoned cattle in gaushalas within the coming months.
He stated that the Commission is continuously reviewing the process by holding discussions with concerned stakeholders in different districts to expedite the shifting of cattle to government and private shelters. He directed the Municipal Corporation Commissioner to ensure that municipal teams conduct regular rounds in the city and adjoining areas and move stray cattle to Falahi or private gaushalas so that these animals receive proper care and protection.
The Vice Chairman also instructed the Deputy Director of the Animal Husbandry Department to prepare and submit pending electricity bill waiver cases of gaushalas to the Commission at the earliest so that the matter can be resolved quickly. He further directed departmental teams to regularly visit gaushalas, ensure timely vaccination of cattle, and provide proper treatment to injured animals.
Regarding financial assistance, Keemti Bhagat said that the Punjab Government has increased the amount provided for fodder and other essential expenses for cattle housed in government and private gaushalas. As per the notification issued by the Animal Husbandry Department, the assistance has been enhanced to **?61 per cow per day**, which will provide significant relief to gaushalas.
He also directed the Municipal Corporation to initiate penalties and legal action under the Municipal Act against dairy farms that abandon cattle on roads. Additionally, he instructed the district police to ensure that no cattle smuggling takes place and to register FIRs and take strict action in such cases.
Keemti Bhagat emphasized that proper management of stray and destitute cattle in the district would not only help save human lives by reducing road accidents but would also ease traffic problems and prevent damage to farmers’ crops.