Chandigarh Mayor Directs MC-Run Gaushalas to Supply Milk to City Orphanages
In a significant move towards social welfare, Chandigarh Mayor Saurabh Joshi has announced that milk produced at Municipal Corporation-operated gaushalas will now be supplied to orphanages across the city. This directive came during his first field inspection after assuming office, where he emphasized the need for sustainable and humane practices in cattle care.
First Inspection Focuses on Infrastructure and Management
The mayor conducted a comprehensive review of gaushalas at Raipur Kalan and Industrial Area Phase I, including the cattle pond in Industrial Area Phase I. Accompanied by Municipal Commissioner Amit Kumar, councillors Harjeet Singh, Bimla Dubey, and Gurbax Rawat, along with senior civic officials, Joshi assessed various aspects of the facilities.
During the on-site assessment, the mayor examined:
- Cattle sheds and their structural conditions
- Water supply arrangements and sanitation facilities
- Fodder availability and management systems
- Overall infrastructure and maintenance standards
Officials briefed the mayor on day-to-day cattle management practices, healthcare arrangements, and challenges faced at these facilities. Joshi directed that the milk supply to orphanages should begin immediately, describing this initiative as "the Corporation's commitment to social welfare."
Emphasis on Sustainable and Humane Practices
Mayor Joshi stressed that gaushalas represent more than just shelters for cattle, stating they "reflect the city's collective responsibility towards humane care." He emphasized that improving hygiene, nutrition, and shelter conditions would be taken up on priority, with a focus on sustainable solutions.
"This is my first inspection after taking charge, and my priority is to ensure that infrastructure, hygiene and management standards at gaushalas are improved in a time-bound manner," Joshi declared. "Sustainable and humane practices must be adopted for better cattle care."
Technical Improvements and Future Plans
In a forward-looking decision, the mayor asked the engineering wing of the Corporation to prepare a detailed plan to convert the existing animal incinerator into an eco-friendly biogas-based incinerator. This initiative aims to create a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solution for waste management at the gaushalas.
Municipal Commissioner Amit Kumar affirmed the Corporation's commitment, stating, "The Corporation is dedicated to upgrading gaushala infrastructure and strengthening cattle management practices. Based on today's inspection, technical and administrative measures will be initiated to improve facilities, maintenance and long-term animal welfare."
Action-Oriented Improvement Plan
The mayor directed officials to prepare a comprehensive improvement plan covering:
- Structural repairs and maintenance of existing facilities
- Enhanced cleanliness and sanitation protocols
- Efficient fodder management systems
- Stronger monitoring mechanisms for consistent standards
Joshi also stressed the importance of regular inspections and coordinated efforts to ensure uniform standards across all Corporation-operated gaushalas. This systematic approach aims to transform these facilities into models of sustainable animal care while simultaneously serving the community through the milk distribution program to orphanages.
The initiative represents a dual commitment to both animal welfare and social responsibility, creating a sustainable ecosystem where well-cared-for cattle can contribute to the nourishment of vulnerable children in the city.
