Mathura to become model of sustainable development

Authorities in Mathura have decided to protect cows and their grazing pastures besides taking urgent steps to develop new grazing grounds for cattle in the Yamuna river flood-plains as part of a model for sustainable development.

Divisional Commissioner Pradip Bhatnagar revealed the plans at a conference on promotion of organic farming and the cattle wealth of lord Krishna's land comprising parts of Agra district, Mathura, Vrindavan, Goverdhan, Barsana, Nandgaon, Gokul and Kosi.

He warned that the excessive use of chemical fertilisers was creating numerous health problems, including the rising incidence of cancer cases, as in Punjab.

"The Mathura district with a record number of private gaushalas (cattle pens), with more than a lakh cows, generating tonnes of cow dung manure, which was not only safe but could help the soil regain its lost fertility, deserved to be promoted as a model zone of ecological balance and nature based sustainability."

The official said he would shortly constitute a committee of activists, gaushala owners, environmentalists and departmental heads to suggest measures and monitor steps to transform Mathura district as a model of sustainable development.

Bhatnagar said he would not only ban use of polythene in the district but also work on a plan to minimize use of chemical fertilisers.

The conference was attended by gaushala owners, social activists and environmentalists who pleaded for drastic measures to integrate traditional cow economics with modern-day technology.

Goswami Sri Vats, a spiritual leader, said: "Once, the Braj area was identified with forests and cows. Today, both are facing extinction."

Shravan Kumar Singh, of the Braj Mandal Heritage Conservation Society warned of the danger of 100 percent mechanisation of agriculture.

Speakers said milk should be a component of mid-day meals. "This could be done if every rural government school had a couple of cows, as most schools in villages have ample space. The milk from cows could be used for mid-day meals."