Chandigarh Municipal Corporation Seeks Animal Husbandry Guidance After Cattle Tragedy
Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has taken urgent action following a distressing incident at the Raipur Kalan incinerator plant. About fifty cattle were found dead at the facility just one day before the corporation's formal response. The municipal body has now written to the Union Territory's animal husbandry department requesting standard operating procedures for medical care and feeding practices in city gaushalas.
Formal Guidance Requested to Prevent Future Lapses
Municipal officials explained their decision to seek formal guidance from the animal husbandry department. They emphasized that the department possesses specialized subject-matter expertise that can help ensure gaushalas operate according to prescribed standards. This move comes directly in response to the recent incident, with officials determined to prevent similar lapses from occurring in the future.
The corporation wants clear protocols established for all aspects of gaushala management. They believe formal guidelines from the animal husbandry experts will create a more systematic approach to cattle care throughout Chandigarh's facilities.
Immediate Staff Changes Implemented
Following the discovery of the dead cattle, the Municipal Corporation took swift personnel actions. Regular staff members at the Raipur Kalan plant received immediate suspension. All contractual and outsourced employees posted at the facility faced termination.
To maintain essential operations, the corporation has temporarily deployed staff from other departments. These temporary workers now handle duties at both the incinerator plant and the adjacent gaushala. A senior official heading the medical officer of health branch received specific directions to mobilize manpower and ensure smooth functioning of these facilities.
Veterinary Staff Shortage Addressed
Sources revealed significant challenges in veterinary staffing. One contractual veterinary doctor who oversaw Municipal Corporation gaushalas was terminated after the incident. This leaves only one veterinary doctor currently available, whose primary responsibility has been dog care.
This remaining veterinarian has now received additional charge of gaushalas on a temporary basis. The Municipal Corporation recognizes this staffing shortage and plans to hire more veterinary doctors soon. The general house has already approved the recruitment proposal, and the corporation is expediting the hiring process to strengthen veterinary oversight.
Chandigarh's Gaushala Network
Chandigarh currently maintains six gaushalas or cattle pounds throughout the city. The Municipal Corporation directly operates four of these facilities:
- The old cattle pound located in Sector 26
- The new cattle pound situated in Maloya
- The Raipur Kalan gaushala
- The Maloya gaushala
Two additional gaushalas operate under non-governmental organization management. These facilities are located in Sector 45 and Sector 25 respectively. The recent incident has prompted scrutiny of all cattle care facilities in the city, regardless of their management structure.
The Municipal Corporation's actions demonstrate their commitment to improving animal welfare standards following this tragic event. By seeking expert guidance and restructuring staffing, they aim to create more robust systems for cattle care throughout Chandigarh's network of gaushalas.
