PMC to set up temporary fodder centres and drinking water points for stray cattle in Pune

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will start temporary fodder centres and drinking water facilities for stray and abandoned cattle in the city. The aim is to ensure that the basic needs of these animals continue to be met during a period of water scarcity. The PMC standing committee approved the proposal on Thursday. It was moved by corporator and committee member Suhas Tingre.

Under the proposal, temporary fodder centres will be set up in areas with a large number of stray cattle. Water containers and tanks will also be placed at public locations, including main intersections, open spaces and areas that stray animals frequently visit. The animals will get drinking water free at these places.

The proposal comes at a time when alternate-day water supply is likely to be introduced in Pune. Tingre said reduced water supply could make it difficult for stray cattle to find drinking water, and they would be forced to wander in search of it.

Earlier, 32 villages were merged into the PMC limits. Tingre then proposed building permanent, fully equipped cowsheds (gaushalas) for the proper care of abandoned and stray cattle. The PMC general body has already approved that proposal. However, the cowsheds are expected to take time to be built. Tingre therefore stressed that temporary arrangements for food and water for the animals are necessary until then.

Tingre has demanded that the temporary fodder centres and drinking water facilities be operational from the first day of the alternate-day water supply. Gaushala institutions, cow protection organisations and NGOs working for animal welfare will also be part of the initiative.

The proposal also says that the PMC should provide the necessary land, manpower and funds so that these arrangements can be implemented effectively.