Free milch cows die in Nilgiris, probe on

Collector J Innocent Divya has ordered a high-level probe by the joint director of animal husbandry to probe into what caused the death of cows that were distributed to the tribes in Gudalur and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve area.

“More than 50 milch cows that were distributed to the residents of Gudalur had died in the past two weeks and 40 per cent of the 600 cows distributed in The Nilgiris are dead within a short span,” DMK MLA M Thiravidamani, who is now visiting the beneficiaries told DT Next.

“I have submitted a petition to the Collector alleging malpractices in the purchase of old cattle by veterinarians with the state for free milch cow distribution scheme and there should be a free and fair probe,” the MLA said. “Members of public and tribal welfare association are upset with the officers who have bought the aged and unfit cow for the scheme. Further, the insurance money and transport charges have also been collected from the poor tribes,” said C Sanjeevi, state president, Akhil Bharathiya Adiwasi Vikas Parishad.

“The market value of the cows is very low and most of them are past their lactating period. Crossbreed of heifers and jersey were given and they are not conducive for hilly terrain,” said an Animal Husbandry Department insider. The age of the procured cow should not be more than 4 years and its daily milk yield should not be below 7 litres, but these rules were violated. The Collector is known for her strict approach and field officials are in a soup,” he said.

When contacted, Collector Innocent Divya assured necessary action. “Based on the public complaint a probe by the animal husbandry official has been ordered. We will take action based on the probe report,” she said.