Shrey Awasthi
Shahpur, a picturesque town in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district, is grappling with a growing daily challenge — the rising number of stray and abandoned cattle.
According to the 2017 livestock census, cattle make up approximately 55% of Himachal Pradesh’s total livestock population. While they have an equal right to natural resources, the absence of proper shelter has left many of them wandering aimlessly. This situation not only endangers the cattle themselves but also creates serious concerns for public safety, agriculture and the environment as a whole.
Across Shahpur, several cattle are abandoned once they cease to be economically beneficial —such as when cows stop producing milk or bulls become redundant due to mechanised farming.
These animals often roam freely, foraging through garbage and risking accidents on roads. In various parts of Kangra district, existing shelters are already operating near or at full capacity, indicating a pressing need for additional facilities in smaller places like Shahpur.
Why there’s urgent need to set up a cowshed
- Cattle welfare: A dedicated cowshed would provide shelter, nutrition and medical care to abandoned cattle, ensuring their well-being and proper care.
- Human safety: Stray cattle on roads can lead to accidents, risking human lives. A cowshed would help mitigate such threats by housing these animals at one place.
- Agricultural protection: Free-roaming cattle often damage crops, leading to economic losses for farmers.
- Social threat: Stray cattle scavenging through waste can spread diseases, leading to a scare in society.
- Community engagement: A cowshed can serve as a centre for community activities, promoting awareness about animal welfare and encouraging volunteerism.
- Efficient functioning of Gau Seva Dal-Shahpur: A dedicated cowshed would provide ample space and opportunities to the Dal for its proper functioning and serving stray cattle.
While the establishment of a cowshed is crucial, the following potential challenges need to be addressed with the cooperation from each resident:
Regulatory approvals: Recent inclusion of Shahpur under the Town and Country Planning Act requires residents to seek permissions for construction, including cowsheds. Streamlining this process will be essential.
Funding and maintenance: Securing financial resources for construction and ongoing operations is vital. Exploring government grants, community fundraising and partnerships with NGOs can be beneficial.
Learning from regional initiatives: The Himachal Pradesh government has initiated the establishment of cow sanctuaries in various districts, including Kangra, to address the stray cattle issue. Additionally, various organisations in Kangra have successfully combined animal rescue with community involvement, serving as models for integrated approaches to animal welfare.
The establishment of a cowshed in Shahpur is not just an animal welfare initiative but a step towards ensuring public safety, protecting agriculture and promoting environmental health. By addressing the challenges and learning from successful models, Shahpur can set a precedent for sustainable and compassionate community development, say residents.
