Will open more fodder deports, Tamil Nadu tells High Court

The government made this submission to the court in its status report filed by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services in reply to a petition seeking direction to the government to provide for sufficient fodder and water free of cost. 

Besides seeking directions to the government to provide for fodder and water for animal on war footing, the petition had also sought opening of cattle shelters in drought-hit areas. 

The affidavit said “consequent to the reports of cattle deaths in Salem and Dharmapuri districts, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services has asked the joint directors to open additional fodder depots in areas where fodder shortage is acute.” 

“Adequate provision for drinking water for livestock is also being made through the district administration,” it submitted.

Stating that the cattle population in the state is 99.95 lakh, the report said it was not possible to provide fodder to the entire cattle. In order to address the problem, dry fodder depots have been established in veterinary institutions. 

A four-pronged approach is being adopted to make available both silage and dry fodder at the village level.

The report further said the department has also begun monitoring the health of livestock closely by organising cattle health camps. 

Taking note of the submissions, Justice K Kalyanasundaram and Justice SM Subramaniam posted the matter for further hearing after summer vacation.