This gaushala in Gurgaon helps cattle find a home

Started in 2010 with only five cows,the gaushala quickly gained popularity,leading to an increase in the number of cattle.

To overcome the problem of overcrowding,AWBI chairman R M Kharb suggested that the gaushala offer healthy pairs to impoverished farmers. The cost decided on was a nominal Rs 1,100,while the market price of an average pair of cattle is Rs 40,000.

“This started about six months ago. Since then,more than 400 cattle have been sold,” Kharb says.

But Brig Chohan (75),a former Armyman who calls himself “mad” and the cows his “Mother Divine”,is concerned that the difference in price could attract people with ulterior motives.

To ensure the safety of the cattle,Brig Chohan meets all the farmers who come from across the country. He builds a relationship with the prospective buyers,ensures that they are genuine and only then agrees to the sale.

“I know 50 per cent of you,just by looking at you,” Brig Chohan,who spends hours with the animals,claims.

There are also legal formalities to be fulfilled — the farmers sign an affidavit with 12 conditions,which include clauses such as ensuring that the cattle are fed properly and not resold.

Brig Chohan also sends across a veterinarian to check on the animal sold,every two months.

The farmers have run into some trouble with the police,while travelling with their newly acquired cattle. But the gaushala equips them with several legal documents,clarifying the situation.

Built on municipal land and operated by Vishnu Charitable Trust,the gaushala has helped nurse several cattle back to health. Brig Chohan says when they started in 2010,as many as 10 animals would die everyday as they had been suffering from malnourishment or had toxic and indigestible trash,such as plastic bags and ropes,in their stomachs.

“Every day,we would pray for them. And I would cry because I thought it was my fault,” he says.

But now he is happier as deaths due to unnatural reasons is down to zero.