PMC panel clears temporary fodder and water points for Pune's stray cattle

Pune's stray and abandoned cattle are set to get temporary feeding centres and free drinking water across the city. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) standing committee cleared the proposal on Thursday, November 5. The civic body wants these animals to keep getting food and water while the city faces a shortage of water.

The proposal was moved by corporator and standing committee member Suhas Tingre. It provides for temporary fodder centres in those parts of the city where large numbers of stray cattle are found. Water containers and tanks are to be kept at public places such as major intersections, open spaces and spots the animals visit often. The animals will not be charged for the water.

The timing is linked to the water supply. Pune is likely to shift to supply on alternate days soon. Tingre pointed out that when less water reaches the city, stray cattle will struggle to find anything to drink and will be forced to roam in search of it.

The proposal also builds on earlier work. After 32 villages were merged into PMC limits, Tingre had proposed permanent, fully equipped cowsheds (gaushalas) to look after abandoned and stray cattle. The PMC general body has already approved that proposal. But the cowsheds will take time to build, and Tingre has argued that interim arrangements for food and water are necessary until they are ready.

Tingre has demanded that the fodder centres and water points be working from the first day the alternate-day supply begins. Institutions that run gaushalas, cow protection organisations and NGOs working for animal welfare are to be involved in the effort.

The proposal further says the PMC should provide the land, manpower and funds required so that the arrangements can be carried out properly. In sum, the plan has three parts: temporary fodder centres in areas with many stray cattle, free water tanks at intersections and open spaces, and a stopgap system that will run until the permanent gaushalas are built.