Ensure Gaudhams used for intended purpose: HC to state

Raipur: Chhattisgarh high court has directed the state govt to ensure that Gaudhams (cattle shelters) are not merely established on paper but are maintained in line with their intended purpose, with adequate infrastructure, manpower, and resources. It stressed that proper arrangements for fodder, water, veterinary care and supervision must be ensured, along with effective measures to prevent stray cattle from endangering human life on public roads.

The court registered a suo motu PIL following reports highlighting abysmal conditions at a cattle shelter in Lakhasar and the persistent menace of stray cattle on roads.

A division bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal took cognisance of a news report detailing the situation.

The report exposed the ground reality of the Gaudham at Lakhasar village, located about 18 km from Bilaspur on the Mungeli road. The court noted that while arrangements for the 25-acre facility appeared adequate on paper, they had failed in implementation.

As many as 205 cattle were found crammed into a small 10×26 feet enclosure, leaving no space even to sit. The entire facility was reportedly managed by a single watchman, Suresh Kaivart, who works round the clock for a monthly salary of Rs 12,000.

The court also took note of severe deficiencies in basic care, observing that feeding enclosures were found empty during inspection, with no fodder, straw or water available. Citing the report, the bench noted that veterinarian Dr RP Sharma had warned that such overcrowded conditions significantly increase the risk of suffocation and infection among cattle.

It further observed that despite the establishment of the Gaudham, road safety had not improved. On a 7-km stretch from Sakri to Pendari Kanan via Kathakoni and Lakhasar, about 131 cattle were reportedly found sitting on the road, posing a serious risk to motorists, the court noted with concern, citing the report.

The report also revealed that out of five sanctioned Gaudhams in Bilaspur district, only three are functional, and at least 10 more facilities are required to accommodate the stray cattle population.

Emphasising accountability, the court reiterated that Gaudhams must function effectively and not remain mere paper arrangements.

The court has impleaded the secretary, livestock dept, Chhattisgarh govt, as a respondent while directing the authorities to file an affidavit detailing the steps taken to address the issue before the next hearing on May 14.
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