Source:indianexpress.com
From starting a milk brand, setting up a plant for converting methane into CNG and finding a market for cow manure and urine, the Gau Sewa Aayog, Haryana, is contemplating several proposals to generate revenue to make gaushalas self sustaining.
A discussion on the proposals will take place in a meeting of the aayog on February 18. There are around 400 gaushalas across Haryana where 3 lakh heads of cattle are kept, while around 1.15 lakh heads of cattle are on the streets.
The chairman of the Aayog, Bhani Ram Mangla, said the aim is to ensure that cattle is shifted to gaushalas and cow sanctuaries where they can be taken care of. “There are several proposals that we have mooted to ensure that the gaushalas are self sustaining, as we cannot keep looking at the government for funds. A discussion would be held during a meeting on February 1,” said Mangla.
Among the proposals mooted is that a milk brand be started on the lines of Amul. Mangla said people are aware of the health benefits of cow milk. In public-private partnership with some company, a new milk brand can be started through which milk from all gaushalas can be sold.
A 200-acre plot of land has been identified in Panipat where the first cow sanctuary of Haryana would be constructed. It would house 5,000 heads of cattle. At this sanctuary, a biogas plant will be set up. The proposal is to convert the methane that is produced in the biogas plant into CNG which can be sold. Cow sanctuaries would be set up at four more places including two in Bhiwani and one each in Jind and Yamunanagar. The aayog would also be selling manure and cow urine produced at all the gaushalas and sanctuaries.
Another proposal is to install solar panels at all the gaushalas for power generation at Rs 46 crore. “An amount of Rs 30 to Rs 40 per day is required for the upkeep of each cattle head. I will urge the government to allow tax exemptions for donations to gaushalas,” Mangla said.
