Lucknow: With temperatures already exceeding 40 degrees Celsius across Uttar Pradesh, the state's animal husbandry department has issued directives to ensure proper arrangements in all cow shelters. To protect animals from the intense heat, the department has made it mandatory to provide water misting systems, coolers, fans, drinking water, and shade at these shelters.
Inspections and Plantation Drives
Officials have been directed to conduct regular inspections of cow shelters and monitor arrangements so that any shortcomings can be addressed immediately. Additionally, plantation of shade-giving trees is being carried out at cow shelters to provide natural cooling.
Addressing Fodder Shortage
The department has also adopted a strategy to tackle fodder shortage. Additional Chief Secretary of the Animal Husbandry Department, Mukesh Meshram, stated: “Instructions have been given to run a special campaign to free pasture land from encroachments in the state. Emphasis has been laid on sowing hybrid Napier grass on the freed land to ensure long-term availability of green fodder.”
Recognition for Straw Donors
The District Magistrate of Jaunpur has distributed ‘Punya FD’ certificates to those donating straw, Meshram added. He further noted that the DMs of Azamgarh, Baghpat, Saharanpur, and Hardoi have made special arrangements for water misting systems, fans, coolers, and foggers in cow shelters.
Leading Districts
Meshram highlighted that 10 districts including Maharajganj, Jaunpur, Ballia, Varanasi, Etah, Saharanpur, Shahjahanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Chitrakoot, and Gorakhpur are currently playing a leading role in the campaign for straw donation.
