Between 2012-2019, the number of stray animals in Uttar Pradesh has increased by about 2 lakh: Central Government
According to the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the number of stray cattle in Uttar Pradesh increased from 10,09,436 in 2012 to 11,84,494 in 2019.
According to district-wise data, Chitrakoot district recorded the highest number of stray cattle at 68,813, followed by Mahoba at 61,765, Gonda 52,615, Hardoi 48,173 and Banda 47,658. Information of all 75 districts of the state is available with the government.
Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Purushottam Rupalal gave this information in the Lok Sabha on February 8 in response to questions raised by BJP MPs Lallu Singh, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Devendra Singh Bhole and Sangam Lal Gupta.
The MPs had asked, ‘Is the government aware of the major problems related to the increasing number of stray cattle in the state of Uttar Pradesh?’ They also asked the Union Minister about the rehabilitation measures taken to deal with stray cattle and the budget allocated for it. Was.
In response, the minister said that the Uttar Pradesh government has rehabilitated 8,87,438 cattle since 2018 at a cost of Rs 21,11,397. A total of 5,664 gaushalas are run under the state government, while 572 gaushalas are run by voluntary organizations.
The minister said that the Uttar Pradesh government is paying Rs 30 per day per animal and for its maintenance.
However, the impact of these animal shelters is a matter of debate. In Uttar Pradesh, the problem of stray animals has become a matter of biggest concern for the farmers. Animal trade has been badly affected after the Yogi Adityanath government banned cow slaughter.
Fearing so-called cow vigilante groups—whose members have lynched people alleging cow slaughter—farmers have started abandoning their cattle.
Once they cross the age of milk production or become unfit for use in farming activities, they become a burden. Since farmers cannot afford to feed them, they have no option but to leave them.
Due to the release of animals, a different problem has arisen for the farmers. Stray cattle often move into fields to graze on new crops, which are ready for harvesting. In many areas of Uttar Pradesh, farmers can be seen spending on barbed wire fences to prevent stray cattle from entering the fields.
