BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 6th March 2025: The Animal Resource Development (ARD) Minister Sudhangshu Das announced on Thursday a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing animal welfare across the state. Speaking at a state-level seminar cum sensitization programme on Animal Welfare Acts, Laws, and Rules, organized jointly by the ARD Department and Tripura Veterinary Doctors Association (TVDA) at Pragna Bhavan, the minister outlined plans to address critical issues.
Minister Das revealed that the ARD Department has taken steps to establish ‘Goshalas’ (cow sheds) in all eight districts of Tripura to house cows rescued during illegal transportation. “Almost every day, cows are rescued from various parts of the state. It is the department’s responsibility to ensure their proper care by setting up goshalas in each district,” said Das.
The minister also proposed creating a wing for the cremation of ownerless animals and birds, along with phased deployment of teams across the eight districts. “While we ensure the well-being of animals and birds during their lifetime, we must also focus on their dignified treatment after their death. This initiative aims to address that gap,” he added.
Highlighting the importance of dairy development, Das urged the Dairy Development Board to establish dairy sectors in all eight districts to boost milk production. He emphasized that while 98% of Tripura’s population consumes meat, the state lags behind in milk and egg production. “To address this, mini-hatcheries will be set up in the districts. There’s immense market potential, and this initiative will also generate employment for unemployed youths,” he stated.
Calling for collective action to prevent animal cruelty, the minister said, “Awareness must be created among people to ensure that cruelty to animals is prevented. Several organizations are already working in this regard, but more support from society is needed.”
ARD Secretary Deepa D Nair highlighted India’s rich biodiversity and cultural association with animals while expressing concern over rising animal cruelty. “Despite laws like the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1960) and the Wildlife Protection Act (1972), enforcement remains weak. There is a need for better awareness, inclusion of animal welfare in school curriculums, and a unified enforcement agency,” said Nair.
AMC Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder stressed the importance of inculcating awareness at all levels of society. “Animals play a critical role in maintaining our ecosystem. Under Minister Das’s guidance, the ARD Department is making significant progress, benefiting many across the state,” he said.
Sabhadipati of Paschim Tripura Zilla Parishad, Biswajit Shil, called for awareness programmes at the block level to foster coexistence between humans and animals. Dr Neeraj Kumar Chanchal, Director of ARD, delivered the welcome address at the seminar, which saw participation from various NGOs, including K-NINE, Pawsome, and Dhyan Foundation, alongside other notable dignitaries.
Minister Das also urged Border Security Force personnel to curb the illegal transportation of cattle to Bangladesh and called on the police to remain vigilant and enforce legal actions against such activities.
The seminar concluded with discussions aimed at devising effective and impactful solutions for animal welfare in the state.
