Money is not a constraint to save the calves donated to the Sri Varahalakshmi Nrusimha Swamy temple atop Simhachalam, Minister for Endowments C. Ramachandraiah said after visiting the temporary Gosala set up by the Devasthanam at Srikrishnapuram here on Tuesday.
Saying that death of some calves in the recent past was painful, the Minister assured that steps would be taken to protect the animals. “Publicity campaign should be launched in villages in such a way that it does not hurt the sentiments of the people but at the same time they should not donate sick and ill fed calves which is not proper”, he said.
Only healthy calves must be donated and to ensure that a veterinary team must be stationed at the foothill and a calf must be accepted by the temple only if it is cleared by the veterinary doctor, he suggested. The Minister asserted that jersey breed calves would not be accepted.
A meeting was held in Hyderabad following the death of calves at Simhachalam and calves would be handed over to NGOs if they were in a position to provide total care to the animals, Mr. Ramachandraiah said.
He told the temple authorities to make arrangements at the temporary Gosala at Srikrishnapuram to accommodate more calves as more donations are expected durng the weekend.
Calves would be given to Gangireddy community members if they could impress the committee that they could take care of them well, he said in response to a representation. Executive Officer of Simhachalam Devasthanam K. Ramachandra Mohan and other officials were present.