CHANDIGARH, April 6: In a bid to improve the management and welfare of stray cattle, the Municipal Corporation (MC) of Chandigarh has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) inviting eligible organisations to operate and maintain the city’s gaushalas.
Currently, five gaushalas are operational in Sector 25, Sector 45, Maloya, Raipur Kalan, and the Industrial Area. While some are run by NGOs, others remain under the direct control of MC.
According to the civic body, animal welfare organisations, NGOs, self-help groups, registered societies and charitable institutions recognised by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) or relevant Indian acts are eligible to apply. Selected groups will manage the facilities without charging the corporation and will oversee feeding, shelter and healthcare for the impounded cattle.
The initial contract will run for three years, with annual performance reviews. It may be extended to five years based on the organisation’s performance. The last date for submission of physical applications is April 24, 2025, by 5 pm at the office of the Medical Officer of Health (MOH), 30 Bays Building, Sector 17-B.
Congress councillor Gurpreet Singh Gabi raised concerns over previous mismanagement and policy flaws. “Most gaushalas were poorly maintained with inadequate facilities,” he said. “MC officials earlier framed faulty terms that discouraged participation. This time, with the revised policy, we expect better results.”
Funding remains a concern. During 2022–23, MC received ₹24 crore from the UT excise and taxation department as cow cess. The amount dropped to ₹7.49 crore in 2023–24. Up to February 16 this fiscal year, only ₹4.62 crore has been collected, while expenditure under this head stood at ₹8.68 crore as of January 31.
MC uses these funds to cover food, shelter and veterinary care for stray cattle in the city.
