Parkash Singh Badal gives nod to release Rs 22 crore for cattle ponds

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Sunday approved release additional funds of Rs 22 crore for the completion of 22 cattle ponds across the state to house stray cattle which were posing a serious threat to human lives and causing major damage to crops in the state.

A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister while presiding over a meeting with a delegation of Punjab Gau Sewa Commission led by its Chairman Keemti Bhagat here, an official spokesman said.

Taking part in the deliberations, the Chief Minister also asked Bhagat to rope in NGOs, voluntary and other religious organisations to run these cattle ponds for which the state government would also bear five per cent of total expenditure incurred on the maintenance of these cattle ponds including the cost of feeding.

After completion of these ponds, nearly 2000-2500 stray cattle would be housed in every cattle pond, he said.