Narmadapuram: Local residents of Gram Piparkher in Seoni Malwa, Narmadapuram district of Madhya Pradesh, are highly concerned over the issue of illegitimate extraction of soil and unlawful crop cultivation on the land meant for the construction of a gaushala. Due to poor management of these resources by the managing committee, the villagers protested and lodged a complain to the Collector and District Panchayat CEO for action against those involved.
The villagers opine that the gaushala was set up under the government’s policy and was extended through schemes and comprises more than 35 acres of land, charokhar for fodder for the cattle. But, presently, the management of Gaushala has been accused of cultivating wheat, chickpeas, pigeon peas, and vegetables on this piece of land and selling the produce on the market without keeping proper records. It is said that the money being earned out of this illegitimate business is disappearing, and it has not been recorded in the books of the gaushala.
Villagers complained that while there are forest lands available to cultivate forage, like grass for feeding the cows and the management of the gaushala, their prime aim appeared to be to make money. They also pointed out cases of soil theft within the Gaushala compound. Night operations for extracting soil for the construction of roads are being carried out, and when the truck drivers were stopped by the villagers, they confessed to having acted on the instructions of local authorities, the sarpanch and the secretary.
Also, there is a dire misuse of the gaushala premises for poultry farming, which makes the people doubt the management. The villagers were also dissatisfied with a number of issues which have to do with regard favouritism as, according to the villagers, all the jobs available at the gaushala are held by one family, which comprises a mother, father, son and daughter-in-law.
The villagers have levelled severe allegations of gross negligence and mismanagement against the authorities of the gaushala and sought intervention from the Chief Minister and other higher officials of the state government. They have asked for an inquiry into the matter and wanted action to be taken against the culprits. The residents point out that different objectives should be set for the gaushala to accommodate animals, particularly cows.
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