NGT notice to govt on plea to ban nationwide cattle slaughter

A lawyer's plea seeking nationwide ban on slaughter of indigenous breeds of cattle prompted the National Green Tribunal today to seek response from the government on the issue.
The green panel issued notice to the Agriculture Ministry while seeking its reply by October 30, the next date of hearing.
"Issue notice to the rsepondent...List this case on October 30," a bench headed by Justice U D Salvi said.
The direction came during the hearing of a petition filed by advocate and environment activist Ashwini Kumar, who approached the green panel against the looming threat of extinction of indigenous breeds of cattle in the country.

Kumar has sought directions to take necessary steps to ensure that indigenous breeds of cattle are not slaughtered.
Claiming a steep decline in the indigenous cow population across the country, Kumar has contended 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 said, adding "the government authorities at the national, state, and local levels were silent spectators to this destruction".
Highlighting the need for indigenous breed of cattle, he said that indigenous breed of cattle had better disease- resistance power and could adapt themselves better to frequent weather changes and climatic disturbances.

"Direct respondents to take necessary steps to ensure that milch cattle of indigenous breeds are not slaughtered; and take necessary steps to carry out research in improving their milk yield without resorting to cross-breeding," the plea said.