Malad cattle pound to be revamped for Rs 10 crore

The cattle are injured due to the broken covers of the gutters of the pound

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will revamp the derelict cattle pound in Malad west at a cost of Rs 10 crore. The two-storey structure at Evershine Nagar, Malad West will have separate enclosures for sick and young animals and a 24x7 medical facility.

The pound currently lacks the necessary facilities for animals. The water from the gutters gets mixed with the fodder. The cattle fall sick after consuming the fodder and are also injured due to the broken covers of the gutters of the pound. Many die as there isn't even a basic medical facility at the site. Many animal activists have lodged complaints about the poor conditions but the situation hasn't improved for years.

The water from the gutters gets mixed with the fodder and the cattle fall sick after eating it

The BMC invited tenders in September 2020 to improve the conditions at the pound. The tender process for the work has been completed and the proposal will be tabled in the standing committee on Wednesday. At present, 70 to 80 stray animals are kept in the pound, which is in dilapidated condition.

"However, after the redevelopment of the place, the capacity will be increased to at least 150 animals. There will be separate enclosures for sick animals and there will a cage for the young animals," said Dr Kalimpasha Pathan, general manager of the Deonar abattoir and in charge of the project. He added that there will be a 24x7 medical facility for the animals, which is necessary.

The cost of the project is Rs 10.66 crore and the construction is supposed to be completed within one and half years including monsoon.

In 2019, the BMC administration proposed to hike the fine from Rs 2,500 to Rs 10,000 against owners who let their animals loose on the street, but the decision was opposed by corporators. Cattle owners are currently fined R2,500 for an adult animals and Rs 1,500 for a calf.