The Times of India 13.10.2010
MC spent 2.7L on cattle fodder in 16 months
MOHALI: Details sought under the Right to Information (RTI) Act regarding the upkeep of cattlesheds in Mohali has yielded some interesting facts. Mohali municipal council had purchased 4,480 litres of diesel for using a cattle catcher vehicle during the period of April 1, 2009, to August 15, 2010. Also, the civic body spent Rs 2,73,138 to provide fodder to 426 stray cattle.
In the last 16-17 months, as much as 50 litres of diesel was used in order to catch stray cattle. Besides, Rs 641 was spent on providing fodder to each cow. The revelation was made by Mohali MC in reply to an RTI plea moved by MC councillor Kuljeet Singh Bedi.
In its reply, MC stated that during the period of April 1, 2009, to August 15, 2010, 426 stray cows were rescued and rehabilitated by the MC, which earned it Rs 1,46,700 through fines charged from the cattle owners. The reply also mentioned that since the capacity of cattle pound was only limited to 30 to 35 animals, these were being shifted to government 'gaushalas' (cattlesheds) in Banur and Maloya.
Demanding the setting up of a better and bigger cattle pound, MC had written to Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA), which had not provided a satisfactory reply.
The reply also mentioned that records pertaining to cow deaths caused by accidents were not available with MC.
Speaking to TOI, councillor Kuljeet Singh Bedi said that MC was carrying out the catching operations on ad-hoc basis and there was no policy framework to regulate these tasks. "The reply shows how the MC is taking everyone for a ride. MC has claimed that in the last 16 months it has been able to catch 426 stray cattle, which translates to one bovine per day. How is that possible? Wherever you lay your eyes, you can see a group of stray cattle grazing out in the open," he added.
Stating that he would now approach GMADA chief administrator Vivek Partap Singh in order to seek better facilities for stray cattle, Bedi said that a policy draft should be framed to govern cattle-catching operations.
