What Steps is Telangana Taking to Modernize Goshalas?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Establishment of a committee to oversee modern goshalas.
- Planned locations include Yenkepally, Vemulawada, and Yadagirigutta.
- Government aims to create a policy for cow protection.
- Emphasis on the cultural significance of cows in society.
- Addressing overcrowding and facility inadequacies in existing shelters.
Hyderabad, July 10 (NationPress) The Telangana Cabinet convened on Thursday to establish a three-member committee led by the Chief Secretary, aimed at creating and overseeing modern goshalas (cow shelters) throughout the state.
The committee has been instructed to present its findings by the next Cabinet session.
Under the guidance of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the Animal Husbandry Department has already drafted a presentation along with designs for the proposed goshalas, which were showcased during the Cabinet meeting.
The decision was made to construct modern goshalas at Yenkepally in Hyderabad, Veterinary University, Vemulawada, and Yadagirigutta.
The Cabinet highlighted that the state currently has 306 goshalas and has resolved to create a policy document concerning the registration and management of these existing facilities.
Recently, the government moved to devise a comprehensive policy for cow protection across the state.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for a committee to conduct a thorough study on the establishment of goshalas and to visit other states for insights into their cow protection policies.
The committee is made up of Special Chief Secretary for the Animal Husbandry Department Sabyasachi Ghosh, Principal Secretary for the Endowments Department Shailaja Ramaiyar, and Secretary of the Agriculture Department Raghunandan Rao.
The Chief Minister stressed that the new policy should predominantly focus on cow protection, acknowledging the cultural significance of cows and the sentiments of devotees.
He expressed concern over the rising number of cow deaths in shelters due to overcrowding and other challenges.
To safeguard the cows and alleviate these pressing conditions, the Chief Minister has directed the construction of modern cow shelters equipped with advanced facilities in four key locations.
These shelters will be established in expansive areas within the renowned temple of Vemulawada, where devotees traditionally donate calves as part of the ‘Kode Mokku’ ritual, as well as at Yadagirigutta, Yenkepally near Hyderabad, and the Veterinary University during the initial phase.