Is Telangana Creating a New Policy for Cow Protection?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Telangana government is formulating a cow protection policy.
- A committee has been established to oversee this initiative.
- Focus on modern shelters and cow welfare.
- Emphasis on the cultural significance of cows.
- Government is committed to investing in cow protection.
Hyderabad, June 17 (NationPress) The government of Telangana has announced plans to create a detailed policy to safeguard cows within the state.
On Tuesday, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy instructed officials to initiate this process. A three-member committee has been established, consisting of Special Chief Secretary to Animal Husbandry Department Sabyasachi Ghosh, Principal Secretary to Endowments Department Shailaja Ramaiyar, and Secretary of the state Agriculture Department Raghunandan Rao. This committee will perform a thorough investigation into the creation of cow shelters (Goshalas) and will explore cow protection policies in other states.
During a review meeting at his residence, the Chief Minister underscored the need for the new policy to prioritize cow protection, acknowledging the cultural significance of cows and the sentiments of devotees.
The Chief Minister expressed his concern over the increasing number of cow deaths that have occurred in shelters after devotees donated them due to a lack of space and other issues.
To address these challenges and enhance cow welfare, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed officials to build modern cow shelters in four locations across the state.
These facilities will be constructed in substantial areas near the renowned Vemulawada temple, where devotees traditionally donate calves as part of the ‘Kode Mokku’ ritual, as well as in Yadagirigutta, Yenkepally near Hyderabad, and at the Animal Husbandry University in the initial phase.
The Chief Minister has highlighted the necessity of safeguarding the calves that are devotedly donated by the public and has instructed officials to establish a cow shelter that spans over 100 acres at Vemulawada.
He reaffirmed the state government's willingness to allocate substantial funds for cow protection initiatives. During the meeting, officials presented an approach document regarding the management of cow shelters to the Chief Minister.
Participants in the meeting included State Animal Husbandry Minister Vakiti Srihari, Chief Minister's Principal Secretaries V. Seshadri and Srinivasa Raju, along with other key officials, including HMDA Commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmed and Animal Husbandry Director Gopi.