‘Free cattle-grazing areas of encroachment’

: The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) on Thursday said it will launch a drive to free pastures under illegal occupation in villages and towns across the country to safeguard the interests of the animals.

“From an ant to an elephant, it is our mandate to protect them from cruelty and we will do everything required for this,” said AWBI chairman SP Gupta whiel announcing a slew of measures to improve the welfare of the animals. Freeing grazing grounds — or gouchars — from illegal occupation or diverted to other purposes will be the focus area, the official said.

Addressing a media conference after the board meeting, Gupta said this was among the decisions taken unanimously.

Batting for a national Gouchar Vikas policy, he said bovines like cow were not being properly fed due to the depletion of lands meant for pasture.

The availability of pastures for the animals has come down to alarming levels, Gupta said, adding that in 1920-21, gouchar land was 0.78 acres, which has now fallen to 0.09 acres. “In simple words, if US offers 12 acres for one animal, India offered one acre to 12 animals, which is getting reduced even further,” he said.

“If the Gouchar Vikas policy is introduced and implemented in proper manner, the major problem of illegal slaughter and transportation can be minimised,” Gupta said, adding it would also improve animal health care.

“The AWBI will work closely with state governments and come out with advisory directives once the data is collected,” he said.

“We will ensure land meant for pastures will only be used for animal welfare, as per rules already stipulated, and for nothing else.”

CHENNAI