Prayagraj: In a bid to save cows from the winter chill, the veterinary department has made arrangements for ‘cow coats’ for the cattle at state-run cow shelter homes of the district. The cow shelters will be covered with thick polythene curtains to save the animals from biting cold winds.
The officials concerned have started making arrangements for the cow coats that will be made of jute bags and will be sufficient to keep the cows warm.
It is worth mentioning that cow shelters have been made in rural areas to keep stray cattle where they are being taken care and are provided fodder. The arrangements at cow shelters are under supervision of village panchayats, and caretakers are being employed for the task.
At present 113 cow shelters are functional in Prayagraj district among which 110 are temporary while three are permanent. Veterinary Department keeps a close watch on the health of cows and carries out regular medical examination and treatment of over 13000 cows lodged at these shelters.
With the arrival of winters, the government has issued instructions to save the cows from biting cold, which may be harmful to their health. Officials have started the drive to cover the cow shelters with thick polythene curtains or ‘tirpal’ so that cold winds cannot enter the shelters. Jute bags will also be sewed together to make thick curtains and covers. The same jute bags will be used to make cow coats which the cows will wear to stay warm during winters. The jute bags will be provided by the district supply department.
Chief veterinary officer Dr RP Rai said district supply department would take jute bags from fair price shops and provide them fir making covers and cow coats. Gram panchayats will make cow coats and will cover the cow shelters with polythene and other material through MANREGA budget.