Varanasi: The holy city shelters over 5,000 cows since UP govt set up 35 bovine shelter homes in Varanasi. Among these, three gaushalas are in accordance with international standards and ISO 9001:2015 certified. Govt is taking full care to ensure stray cattle did not enter fields and damaged crops and that bovines were not injured in road accidents. Local administration provided safe and organised shelter to stray bovines on the roads, while also taking care of their fodder, medical treatment and health.Chief development officer Prakhar Kumar Singh said there were 30 bovine shelter homes in rural areas. Of these, 27 are temporary, while three shelter homes are larger and permanent. At a given time, 3,223 bovines are cared for in these homes with arrangements for fodder, water, cleanliness and medical facilities, along with a team of veterinarians. Additionally, 24-hour CCTV surveillance is also carried out for security. Besides, construction of one more large gaushala is underway, which will provide safe shelter to more bovines in the coming time. Chief veterinary officer Alok Singh said three gaushalas in Varanasi, including Madhumakhiya, Bandepur and Bhitkuri, obtained ISO 9001:2015 certification by meeting international standards. The certification is given for excellent arrangements in animal care, nutrition, cleanliness and overall management. He said during cold weather, bonfires are lit, and cows are protected with coats and tarpaulins. Similarly, to protect cows from scorching heat and heatstroke during summers, special arrangements are made for coolers, fans, tarpaulins, water, etc.
