It appears Srikakulam has turned into a hub in the State for illegal transportation of cows which end up in reaching slaughter houses and fingers are being pointed to the absence of a stringent mechanism to control the menace. An estimation suggests that more than 1,000 cows are transported from here daily to the slaughterhouses in Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu.
Each cow is priced in a range between Rs.7,000 to Rs.12,000, depending on its age and quality. It is alleged that Srikakulam is catering to the huge demand for beef and other products in the neighbouring States.
According to sources, cows in substantial numbers are brought from Odisha through various routes to weekly market centres at Badali, Kotturu, Kanchili, Kollivalasa, Mandasa, Chintada, Budumuru and other areas.
Later, they are crammed into lorries and transported to other States during night.
Further, the prevailing fodder scarcity in many mandals in the district is forcing farmers to sell out their cattle. The fast growing realty ventures in many mandals, especially in the areas abutting the National Highway, is eating into the grasslands in villages. Rise in wages of herdsmen has also become a burden on cattle owners.
Expressing concern over the illegal transportation of cows, Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum representative and economist Srinivas Tulugu, Uttrandhra Sadhu Parishad leader Swami Srinivasananda have urged both the Centre and the State government to curb the menace by imposing stringent norms. “Slaughtering and illegal transport of cattle should be banned in the country, as cows are part of Indian culture. Prohibition of Cow Slaughter Act-1955 should be enforced in letter and spirit and stringent action should be taken against those who are involved in this illegal business,” said Mr. Srinivas told The Hindu .
“Plans are afoot to form mandal level committees which will meet the respective people’s representatives, revenue and police officials to find out solutions for this menace. We will put up boards in weekly markets to bring awareness against illegal transport and slaughter of cows,” he added.
Viswa Hindu Parishad, Rasthtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh, Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum and other likeminded organisations are planning to convene a conclave soon in Srikakulam to chalk out an action plan for protection of cows in the district.
