Fund crunch hits Nalagarh sanctuary working

Lack of funds a handicap

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The Handa Kundi-based cow sanctuary in Nalagarh was inaugurated by the Chief Minister on February 28 and it houses about 500 abandoned animals. A sizeable number comprises of massive bulls weighing 450-550 kg.

Though such sanctuaries were opened with much fanfare to provide shelter to cows and other deserted animals, lack of adequate funds is acting as a deterrent in their smooth functioning. Its management is being looked after on an ad hoc basis.

Ambika Sharma

Tribune News Service

Solan, December 16

The absence of adequate funds to feed animals at the Handa Kundi cow sanctuary in Nalagarh has deprived bulls of quality fodder. Expressing concern over the prevailing situation where absence of quality dry and green feed could cause progressive ketonemia, a senior veterinary officer pointed out that if left unaddressed, the situation would result in high mortality of the animals.

The sanctuary was inaugurated by the Chief Minister on February 28. It houses about 500 abandoned animals. A sizeable number comprises massive bulls weighing 450-550 kg.

“Since these animals have recently been shifted to this sanctuary, they suffer from internal injuries, aspirational pneumonia and internal crushing injuries,” said a senior veterinary officer at Nalagarh.

Though such sanctuaries were opened with much fanfare to provide shelter to cows and other deserted animals, lack of adequate funds is acting as a deterrent in their smooth functioning. Its management is being looked after on an ad hoc basis. A veterinary officer pays a visit twice a week and a pharmacist is deputed for an hour everyday.

Officials point out that this was not enough given the high number of animals housed there. Though a provisional society was constituted to look after the sanctuary, it would soon fall short of funds unless some provisions for funds are made at the earliest.

Funds to the tune of about Rs 8 lakh would be required to deal with the current problem and provide dry and green fodder, concentrate feed and deworming treatment at least once in six months to all animals, according to an estimate sent to senior officials and the local administration by a senior veterinary officer.

Apart from funds for medicines, deworming and iodised salts to keep the animals in good health, a full-time official or pharmacist is required to look after the sanctuary.

The Sub Divisional Magistrate at Nalagarh and the chairman of the cattle sanctuary society have been apprised of the problems. Officials were not available for comments.