RAIPUR: Cattle will get a class ride in Chhattisgarh while travelling. Instead of being cooped up by the dozen and tied in trucks, cows, calves, bulls and buffaloes will now get care, comfort and protection while being transported by road. This comes in the wake of the state framing “compassionate” rules to ensure “utmost” care for during their transit within or outside the state.
The gazette notification, believed to be the first of its kind in the country, carries instructions to ensure well-being of the bovines. All transporters will have to follow them. The notification elaborates about the distance, time, rest interval and temperature, among others, to be considered during transportation.
During the journey, each animal must have a minimum of 2 sq metre of space in vehicles and sufficiently ventilated to prevent stampede or discomfort. Not more than five animals are to be transported together.
They will not be allowed to be transported on foot in heavy rain, storm or warm and humid weather. Transportation will be prohibited before sunrise and after sunset from July to February. During March to June, the restriction will be from 11 am to 5 pm due to heat. The animals should get 20 minutes rest after drinking water.
“The state has over 92 lakh cows of indigenous variety. Reports on how cows are being carried for slaughter was quite upsetting. A five-member expert team framed the rules for comfort and protection of cattle,” Chhattisgarh Lokayukta Justice Shambhu Nath Srivastava said.
A joint team of veterinary surgeon, police officers, tehsildar and chief municipal officer shall regularly inspect cattle market/fair to ensure the animals sold or purchased are only for agriculture purpose. They will have to submit inspection report to the collector, the rules stated.