Outrage in Khandwa: Cows Starve to Death Despite Government Funding at Dharmpuri Gaushala

Khandwa (Madhya Pradesh): While calls are growing to grant “Rashtramata” (Mother of the Nation) status to cows, a shocking reality unfolds in Khandwa district, where cows are dying of starvation at the government-run Nand Mohan Gaushala in Dharmpuri. Despite receiving over ₹9 lakh in government grants, the gaushala lacks even basic feed and water, leaving cattle to suffer and die. In several cases, carcasses were dumped in open fields, where wild animals have been feeding on them.

Dire Conditions at the Gaushala
The nine-year-old Nand Mohan Gaushala, located about 25 km from Khandwa district headquarters, has facilities for 100 cows but is currently housing over 138. Due to insufficient feed and water, many cows are forced to remain outside. In the past week alone, 16 cows have died from starvation. Observers found carcasses partially eaten by dogs, and a dying calf and another cow on the verge of death were also spotted inside the gaushala.

Community Outrage
Locals expressed anger at the gaushala management, alleging negligence in providing timely feed and water, which led to multiple deaths. Residents were particularly appalled that the carcasses were not disposed of according to scientific or legal protocols but instead left in open fields near the premises. Even cow protection groups in the area reportedly failed to notice the situation or raise an alarm.

Government Funding and Oversight
Over the past six months, the gaushala received ₹9,93,600 in government grants, calculated at ₹40 per cow for feed. However, cows have reportedly been surviving on dry fodder alone. Khandwa district has a total of 26 gaushalas, housing 4,144 cattle.

Authorities Take Action
Following the viral video highlighting the gaushala’s deplorable condition, Khandwa Collector Rishabh Gupta ordered the Animal Husbandry Department to investigate the matter. He also directed strict action against the gaushala management for negligence. A special investigation team has been formed to determine the causes of the cattle deaths and ensure proper measures are taken to prevent further loss.