UP steps up to keep cows cool as temp rises

Lucknow: With temperatures already crossing 40 degrees Celsius across the state, the department of animal husbandry has issued directions to ensure proper arrangements in all cow shelters.

For the protection of animals in the intense heat, the department has made it mandatory to provide water misting systems, coolers, fans, drinking water and shade at cow shelters.

Officials have been directed to conduct regular inspections of cow shelters and monitor arrangements so that any shortcomings can be addressed immediately. Plantation of shade-giving trees is also being carried out at cow shelters.

The department has also adopted a strategy to address fodder shortage. Additional chief secretary of the animal husbandry department, Mukesh Meshram said: “Instructions have been given to run a special campaign to free pasture land from encroachments in the state. Emphasis has been laid on sowing hybrid Napier grass on the freed land to ensure long-term availability of green fodder.”

The district magistrate of Jaunpur has distributed ‘Punya FD’ certificates to those donating straw, Meshram said, adding that the DMs of Azamgarh, Baghpat, Saharanpur and Hardoi have made special arrangements for water misting systems, fans, coolers and foggers in cow shelters.

He added that 10 districts including Maharajganj, Jaunpur, Ballia, Varanasi, Etah, Saharanpur, Shahjahanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Chitrakoot and Gorakhpur are currently playing a leading role in the campaign for straw donation.