Six cattle reportedly died at a panchayat-run cow shelter in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur district over two days, with a preliminary investigation suggesting that old age was the cause of death in four cases.
The deaths were reported on August 25 and 26 at the Gaudham cow enclosure in Okhar village under the Masturi development block. Locals have alleged inadequate arrangements and overcrowding at the shelter, which currently houses around 300 cattle belonging to the Okhar gram panchayat.
According to a government statement, four of the six cattle died due to old age, while the remaining two deaths were attributed to other causes. An inspection of the shelter also found waterlogging and damage to the ground surface following heavy rainfall.
The cattle had reportedly been shifted to the Gaudham on August 21. Following the deaths, the district administration directed that the animals be moved to a safer location. It also instructed that the cattle be taken out for grazing with the consent of the Okhar gram panchayat sarpanch.
The administration has constituted a committee headed by Joint Director of Veterinary Services Dr Gopal Shahran Singh to investigate the matter. The committee was formed after authorities initially received information about the deaths of 23 cattle at the Gaudham.
Bilaspur Collector Sanjay Agarwal said on Friday that the veterinary department’s inquiry report, submitted to the district administration on Thursday, confirmed that six cattle had died at the shelter over the two-day period.
He said a detailed report had been submitted to the district administration and that further investigation was underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Meanwhile, under the Surabhi Gaudham scheme, the state government has sanctioned nine additional cow shelters in Bilaspur district. Agarwal said necessary directions had been issued to the concerned gram panchayats and Janpad Panchayat chief executive officers to establish the new enclosures.
The additional shelters are expected to ease overcrowding and improve the management and maintenance of cattle in the district.