Bardagoriya rural municipality to take over Gaushala management for improved care

Kailali: Bardagoriya Rural Municipality in Kailali has decided to assume direct responsibility for the sustainable management of stray cattle and strengthen operations at the local Gaushala.

The decision follows the circulation of a video on social media showing the poor condition of cows due to inadequate food and management. Rural Municipality Chairman Karna Bahadur Kunwar said that although an annual budget of Rs 1 million had been allocated to manage stray cattle and reduce road accidents and crop damage, the municipality decided to take control after the Gaushala Management Committee failed to ensure proper management.

In coordination with the provincial government, the municipality has already developed modern infrastructure at the Gaushala, including three large trusses, feeding mangers, urine collection and manure storage facilities. A borewell has been installed for drinking water, and a secure fence has been constructed.

Despite the infrastructure, Chairman Kunwar acknowledged that weaknesses in the management committee’s functioning and lack of regular monitoring led to practical challenges in animal care. “To develop the Gaushala into a model center, the municipality has decided to dissolve the existing management committee and directly oversee operations and monitoring,” he said.

The municipality plans to arrange a dedicated tractor, trolley, and harrow for the Gaushala, ensure timely feed collection, conduct regular veterinary check-ups, and promote advanced grass cultivation within the premises to guarantee sufficient food year-round.

It has also committed to allocating the necessary budget and manpower for effective management and announced plans to introduce strict measures to identify and penalize those who abandon cattle on the roads.

Currently, the Gaushala houses 240 cows, with six personnel managing operations—four responsible for grazing and two handling cleaning and maintenance.

According to Dev Chaudhary, chairman of the Gaushala Management Committee, the allocated annual budget is insufficient as most of it is spent on staff salaries, leaving limited resources for feed and water. Following the viral video, social worker Bhim Upadhyay mobilized financial support, which has helped improve drinking water supply and provide nutritious grass, straw, and other essentials.