In Alwar, a sanctuary for cows has garnered attention due to its innovative methods of safeguarding and preserving the bovine population amidst the blistering heatwaves engulfing the nation. The Sarvajanik Gaushala, situated on Station Road in Alwar, extends human-like treatment to its inhabitants by furnishing them with cooling apparatus such as air coolers and fans to combat the sweltering summer temperatures.
Housing a total of 650 cattle, this establishment goes the extra mile by offering watermelons, cucumbers, and other cooling fruits and vegetables to ensure their comfort and well-being. According to Radheshyam, the manager, the sanctuary sprawls across seven bighas of land, a philanthropic endeavor initiated by King Durjan Singh of Alwar who donated a cow to kickstart the project.
Initially funded by the affluent, the sanctuary faced operational challenges in the late 1990s, prompting a collaborative effort from various sectors to sustain its operations, as elucidated by Ajay Agarwal, chairman of the Gaushala Committee. Agarwal recounts a period between 2005 and 2015 when considerable attention was devoted to enhancing the bovine breeds and catering to the needs of milk-producing cows separately.
Radheshyam highlights that the sanctuary yields approximately 250 liters of milk per day during the summer months, attracting visitors from far and wide who are willing to pay Rs 68 per liter. Priority is accorded to lactating or pregnant women in need of milk.
To shield the bovines from the heat, the sanctuary is enveloped in green mats, ensuring their comfort throughout the day. Additionally, the cowshed undergoes thorough cleaning thrice daily, and the animals are provided with a balanced diet consisting of 3,000 kg of green fodder, 300 kg of grains, and 2,000 kg of watermelons, bottle gourds, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
Remarkably, this sanctuary stands out as the first of its kind in the state to conduct a vaccination drive against the Lumpi virus, resulting in zero casualties during the outbreak. Each category of cattle, including cows, calves, and binjars, is allocated separate living quarters, and their dietary needs are meticulously monitored. Moreover, the sanctuary boasts the presence of a dedicated veterinary doctor available round the clock to attend to any emergencies.
