Decline in cow cess revenue, cattle upkeep hit

Falling cow cess revenue has proved to be a stumbling block in cow welfare as expenditure incurred for the upkeep of gaushalas is more than the earnings.

Informing Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla of the financial constraints being faced by the MC on this account, medical officer Inderdeep Kaur stated that the MC received Rs 20.25 crore from the Excise Department in 2022-23 and just Rs 5.78 crore in 2023-24 and this is expected to further decline to Rs 2.89 crore in 2024-25. “This shortfall has placed a heavy financial burden on the MC as the annual expenditure on cow welfare stands at approximately Rs 12.64 crore,” she added.

The Mayor, accompanied by Senior Deputy Mayor Jasbir Bunty, Deputy Mayor Taruna Mehta, councillors Gurpreet Gapi and Prem Lata, inspected the gaushalas at Raipur Kalan and Industrial Area, Phase I.

During the visit, the Mayor raised concerns about the absence of CCTV cameras, the quality and quantity of cow feed and the availability of staff for animal care. She also emphasised the urgent need for veterinary doctors.

She directed officials to improve the cleanliness and greenery in and around the gaushalas and instructed the installation of fire safety equipment and CCTV cameras.

The Mayor gave directions for repair and upgrading of all gaushalas with fans and tin sheds and to install effluent treatment plants in all gaushalas to ensure proper waste management and hygiene.