Face2News/Chandigarh 

Shri H. Rajesh Prasad, IAS, Chief Secretary, UT Chandigarh on Thursday undertook an inspection visit to the gaushalas located at Raipur Kalan, two at Industrial Area, Chandigarh, Incinerator and also Animal Birth Control Centre at Raipur Kalan to review the arrangements and facilities being provided for the care, upkeep, and welfare of cattle and dogs.

The Chief Secretary carried out a comprehensive assessment of the gaushalas, including shelter arrangements, cleanliness, availability of green and dry fodder, potable drinking water, veterinary care, waste management, and overall maintenance. He interacted with the officers and staff deployed at the gaushalas and issued specific directions to further strengthen monitoring and transparency in their functioning.

Shri H. Rajesh Prasad stated that approximately 1,000 cows are currently housed in the Chandigarh gaushalas and that all essential facilities for their proper living, feeding, and drinking have been ensured. He further informed that the incinerator installed at the gaushala had remained non-functional for a few days due to a technical defect and could not be repaired immediately; however, the issue is being rectified and the incinerator operational at the earliest.

To ensure effective management and accountability, the Chief Secretary directed that complete details of manpower deployed at the gaushalas, including veterinary doctors and supporting staff, along with their daily duty rosters, shall be prominently displayed at each gaushala. He further instructed that separate display boards be installed indicating the daily availability and consumption of green fodder and dry fodder, so as to maintain transparency and enable regular monitoring.

The Chief Secretary also emphasized that CCTV surveillance of the gaushalas shall be rigorously followed and regularly reviewed to ensure round-the-clock monitoring of activities and upkeep. Clear directions were issued to maintain the gaushalas in a neat and clean condition at all times.

Additionally, he directed that uneven areas within the gaushala premises shall be properly levelled, keeping in view appropriate slope angles to facilitate proper drainage and maintain hygiene and cleanliness across the premises.

Reiterating the Chandigarh Administration’s commitment towards animal welfare, the Chief Secretary stressed that regular inspections, strict adherence to prescribed norms, and timely maintenance of infrastructure would continue to ensure the smooth and humane functioning of gaushalas in the Union Territory.

During the visit, the Chief Secretary was accompanied by Shri Mandip Singh Brar, Home Secretary, UT Chandigarh; Shri Amit Kumar, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh (MCC); Shri Pardeep Kumar, Secretary, Animal Husbandry-cum-Special Commissioner, MCC, along with other senior officers of the Chandigarh Administration and Municipal Corporation.