Cows in shelter homes to get jute coats to brave winter

PRAYAGRAJ: The district veterinary department has made arrangements for coats for cows in state-run cow shelters in the district, to help them tide over the winter chill. The cow shelters will also be covered with thick polythene curtains to save the animals from biting winds, officials said.

The officials concerned have started making arrangements for coats that will be made of old jute bags and will be sufficient to keep the cows warm.

Cow shelters have been made in rural areas to keep stray cattle where they are being taken care of and are being given fodder and water. The arrangements at cow shelters are under supervision of village panchayats and caretakers are deputed for the task.

At present, there are 113 cow shelters functional in Prayagraj district, among which, 110 are temporary while three are permanent. The veterinary department keeps a close watch on the health of the cows and carries out regular medical examinations and treatment of over 13,000 cows in these shelters, officials said.

With the arrival of winter, the government had issued instructions to save the cows from biting cold which may be harmful for their health. Officials began the drive to cover cow shelters with thick polythene curtains or ‘tirpal’ so that cold winds do not enter the shelters.

Jute bags will also be sewed together to make thick curtains and covers. The jute bags will be provided by the district supply department.

Chief veterinary officer RP Rai said that the district supply department will take jute bags from fair price shops and provide them for making covers and coats. Gram panchayats will make the coats and will cover the cow shelters with polythene and other material through MNREGS budget.