NGT asks states to submit data on indigenous breeds of cattle

Stressing the need to protect indigenous breeds of cows across the country, the National Green Tribunal today directed all state governments to apprise it whether there has been increase or decline in the population of such cattle over the last 10 years.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar asked all states to file an affidavit in this regard within two weeks with complete details.
"We want to know why states should not protect indigenous species of cows. We are being informed that their population is decreasing...
"We direct each state to file a specific affidavit as to whether there has been increase or decrease in the indigenous species of cattle in respective states. The averment should be specific and the date shall deal with a period of 10 years. Let the affidavit be filed in two weeks without default failing which they shall be liable to pay Rs 25,000 costs," the bench said.

The matter is listed for next hearing on December 9.
The order came while hearing a plea filed by lawyer Ashwini Kumar who had moved the tribunal against the "looming threat of extinction of indigenous breeds of cattle" in the country and sought directions to the Centre to ensure that cattle are not slaughtered.

The tribunal had earlier issued a notice to Agriculture Ministry on the plea also seeking nationwide ban on the slaughter of indigenous breeds of cattle.
In his plea, Kumar had claimed a steep decline in the indigenous cow population and said that Indian cattle were being replaced across the country by exotic and cross-bred cows imported from Europe, Australia and the US.

"Even developed countries are taking steps to preserve diversity in livestock and taking substantial steps to preserve and conserve their domestic livestock species," the plea had said.
Kumar had blamed government authorities at the national, state, and local levels for being silent spectators to this extinction.