Transformative Role of Gaushalas in Conversion of Waste to Wealth: A Way Forward to Curb the Stray Cattle Menace

Abstract

India being an agricultural country, the cattle plays a predominant role as a backbone of agricultural sector. But the owners abandon these cattle when they become old, sick, disabled and non-productive. These cattle are called stray cattle who roam on the streets in search of food or are sighted sitting in the middle of the street as they have no place or shelter. There are about 5 million stray cattle in India with Rajasthan (1.27 million) at the top followed by Uttar Pradesh (1.18 million), Madhya Pradesh (853,971), Gujarat (343,918) and Chattisgarh (184,993) (20th Livestock census). The problem of stray cattle is always matter of concern for the government as it has become menace for farmers and general public. The government has intervened numerous times towards the management of these stray cattle in humane manner. Rehabilitation of these stray cattle is one of the main managemental practices followed across India. Stray cattle are rehabilitated at Gaushalas which act shelters for disowned cattle, breeding station for indigenous breeds where these breeds are developed and preserved. Besides providing income and employment to many people, Gaushala can take India to organic future as food grains, pesticides, fertilizers produced from natural agricultural system with the use of cow-urine, cow dung-based manure are free from chemicals. But to address the problem of stray cattle, it is not sufficient and efficacious that they are kept in Gaushalas; the government needs to look beyond that and should consider taking other options to protect stray cattle from suffering as well as to protect the public from the menace caused by the same.