Local NGO breathes fresh life into Jawali cow sanctuary

After the prolonged inaction of the state Animal Husbandry Department, which left the Khabbal cow sanctuary in the Jawali Assembly constituency lying idle, a glimmer of hope has emerged. Shri Mani Mahesh Langar Seva Dal, a local NGO, has stepped forward to revive and operate the sanctuary—offering much-needed protection to stray and abandoned cows and bulls in the region.

The Seva Dal recently signed an MoU with the Animal Husbandry Department and has begun repairing the sanctuary’s infrastructure. The aim is to create a safe haven for stray animals often seen roaming rural roads and highways.

The department will provide the Seva Dal with Rs 700 per animal to cover shelter, fodder, water and veterinary care. A veterinary pharmacist will also be assigned to assist with medical needs.

Seva Dal president Manjit Kaundal and patron Ram Nath Sharma said the sanctuary would ensure proper care, with a focus on community involvement. “Special arrangements for fodder and overall well-being will be made and donations will be encouraged for this noble cause,” they shared.

Established in 2016, the Seva Dal is run by a 15-member working committee of activists. They confirmed the sanctuary will become operational in the coming days once repairs are complete.

This cow sanctuary — built at a cost of Rs 2.50 crore on 256 kanals in Khabbal village — has remained unused since its inauguration in June 2022 by then CM Jai Ram Thakur. Despite being completed in 15 months, bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of initiative from the current government have kept it dormant for over 28 months. Ironically, the sanctuary lies within the home constituency of the current Animal Husbandry and Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar.

Frustrated residents and animal welfare advocates have long raised concerns about the government’s apathy, especially as stray cattle continue to cause traffic accidents and destroy crops.

According to Seema Guleria, Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry, Dharamsala, the sanctuary can accommodate up to 40 animals. The local administration and panchayats will now begin relocating stray cows and bulls from public roads to the sanctuary.

Himachal Tribune