Prayagraj: Serious mismanagement and unhygienic conditions were found at a cow shelter in Badi Kati village of Jasra Block during a surprise inspection by divisional commissioner Dr Lokesh M on Monday.During the inspection, the official found cow dung, silt and garbage accumulated at various places, clogged drains and filth in the areas designated for the cattle. Besides, the shelter lacked adequate arrangements for cleanliness, food, water, shelter and proper upkeep of the cattle also.Many cattle were found wandering in the open without supervision. Some cattle were found with unattended injuries and the shelter lacked proper medical care for their on-site treatment or care.The commissioner issued directives to submit a report to govt recommending the suspension of the concerned assistant development officer (Panchayat) and the chief veterinary officer and issued orders for immediate suspension of the village panchayat secretary.The divisional commissioner also directed that a show-cause notice be issued to the chief development officer (CDO), Prayagraj, for the failure to ensure compliance regarding the provision of necessary facilities at all gaushalas.Meanwhile, the staff of the shelter informed him that they had not been paid honorarium for several months. They asserted that supply of cattle feed has also been disrupted for the past four months, and the stock remaining with them would only last around 10 days. They also claimed that the honorarium being paid did not align with the prescribed MGNREGA standards.The commissioner expressed strong displeasure regarding the employees’ grievances and the state of affairs at the gaushala.Considering the prevailing mismanagement, the commissioner ordered relocation of all cattle to a safe and dry area equipped with adequate shelter, fodder, drinking water, medical treatment facilities and other necessary arrangements for their proper care.He also instructed the district magistrate to conduct a verification and on-site inspection of all the gaushalas in the district. He further directed that wherever mismanagement was found, the cattle should be immediately relocated to a safe, dry place equipped with all necessary amenities. He made it clear that negligence regarding the protection and care of the cattle would not be tolerated at any level.Meanwhile, divisional commissioner also noticed a large group of children in Badi Kati village. On inquiring, he was informed that the primary school in the village is located approximately one kilometre from the village, and children have to cross the highway to reach it. Following a recent incident where two children were injured in an accident while crossing the highway, the children are frightened, and a large number of them have stopped attending school.The divisional commissioner instructed the CDO to immediately issue a show-cause notice to the headmaster of the concerned primary school. To ensure safe commute of the students, he directed the basic shiksha akhikari to assign a shiksha mitra the responsibility of escorting the children to the school and back to the village after school hours.
