By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 7 Apr: Following up on persistent complaints from animal activists like Mala Malhotra, a Nagar Nigam team led by newly elected Mayor Saurabh Thapliyal and Municipal Commissioner Namami Bansal finally raided a Nagar Nigam cow shelter leased out to an individual and found the cows in miserable condition with many of them already nearing their end. The Nagar Nigam team also found some expired medicines at the spot.
Despite repeated complaints from animal activists like Mala Malhotra, the Nagar Nigam Dehradun has seemingly failed to take decisive action against the mismanagement of the Shankarpur Gaushala. The recent surprise inspection led by Mayor Saurabh Thapliyal has once again exposed glaring irregularities, raising serious concerns about the municipal corporation’s accountability.
Speaking to Garhwal Post, Mala Malhotra claimed that the Shankarpur Gaushala in Dehradun district had been leased out to the same individual who had been accused of neglect of cows in Ratanpur and in Rishikesh as well. She also claimed that there is a complete mismatch between the records and the ground situation in Shankarpur and also alleged that no regular visit of a veterinarian has been fixed in Shankarpur. Despite these lacunae, the person who was managing the cow shelter, has been charging large amounts of funds from the Nigam. The Nigam was allegedly paying even for the cowshed in Ratanpur which also was grossly mismanaged and had to be closed down owing to persistent public complaints.
Mala Malhotra further shared that she had to meet Animal Husbandry Minister Saurabh Bahuguna, District Magistrate Savin Bansal before action was taken in this regard by the Nigam authorities. She had submitted a 14-point demand letter to the District Magistrate and Chief Municipal Commissioner, detailing the cruelty and irregularities. Despite assurances from the Mayor, why was no action taken earlier? Why did the Nagar Nigam ignore repeated complaints?
Meanwhile, sources indicated that inspection has revealed pitiable conditions, animals in distress, expired medicines, lack of first aid, and missing records. The number of animals present was far smaller than those registered, and dead animals’ identification rings had not been returned. These findings are not new; activists have been raising alarms for years. Why did it take so long for the administration to act?
Following the inspection, Mayor Thapliyal has directed an FIR against the organisation managing the Gaushala. While this is a positive step, it remains to be seen if it will really lead to actual reforms or remain a mere symbolic gesture. Will the veterinary officials responsible for oversight also be held accountable?
This incident raises broader concerns about municipal oversight. The Nagar Nigam Dehradun has a complaint cell, yet activists claim their grievances have been ignored. Is the system failing to protect animal welfare? What measures will be taken to prevent such negligence in the future? The Shankarpur Gaushala case is a wake-up call for the administration, but it remains to be seen if the administration really wakes up to the ground reality or not.
