Singrauli (Madhya Pradesh): Several irregularities have cropped up in Devra cowshed, three km away from the district headquarters. Although the civic body is buying fodder, the 38 cows kept in the shed are deprived of it. According to sources, the municipal corporation buys nearly 8.9 tonnes of fodder for the cows every month.
The amount of fodder that the civic body buys is more than what is required for the number of cows kept there. According to reports, 5,380 kg fodder was purchased in January at Rs 18 a kg. But bills worth Rs 59, 180 at the rate of Rs 18 a kg were put up for payment.
Similarly, in February, 5,295kg fodder was purchased at the rate of Rs 18 a kg, but bills for Rs 58,247 were put up for payment at the rate of Rs 18 a kg. Nevertheless, in March, 8, 803 kg fodder was purchased at Rs 12 a kg, and bills worth Rs 96, 996 were put up. The number of cattle is declining but the use of fodder is increasing.
How irregularities taking place
Sources in the Animal Husbandry Department said according to the standards set on the basis of the weight of cattle, one cow consumed three kg of fodder in 24 hours. It means 38 cows consume 114 kg of fodder a day. So, 3, 420kg of fodder is required for 38 cows in a month.
Even if the consumption of fodder increases, it may go up to four tonnes a month. However, fodder officials consumed in the past three months was from 5.8 to 8.9 tonnes.
Although there are only 38 cows, the civic body is purchasing fodder worth Rs 50, 000 to Rs 85,000 a month for Devra cowshed. These days, fodder made from wheat is available for Rs 5 to Rs 7 a kg, but a few days ago, it was available at Rs 10 a kg.
When the issue was put up before commissioner of the municipal corporation DK Sharma, he said he was unaware of anything about the cowshed. But since there are irregularities in the quantity of fodder, its rates and cows are without fodder, an inquiry will be set up and action taken, he said.
