Gangtok, May 29 (HS): In a historic initiative towards animal welfare and conservation in the Northeast, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the 'Mamring Gaushala' from Bagdogra to Sikkim on Thursday. Developed at a cost of ₹17 crore over 7.31 acres under the state plan, this unique facility is located in Maming, under the Amba Gram Panchayat unit of Pakyong district.

The Mamring Gaushala is the first of its kind in the entire Northeast region. It has been established to provide shelter for abandoned animals, those rescued from slaughter, and endangered animals. This initiative represents a comprehensive long-term approach to conserving indigenous animal species and promoting organic livestock. The gaushala is equipped with modern infrastructure, allowing for the accommodation of 210 animals across eight animal sheds. It also includes quarantine and isolation units, a fully functional veterinary clinic, fodder and hay storage facilities, a post-mortem unit, and a designated burial ground.

The premises also feature a garden with Congo signal grass, bulrush, giant Napier grass, CO-2, and various types of trees to ensure proper nutrition for the animals. This facility is also equipped with modern agricultural machinery, including brush cutters, power tillers, shaft cutters, and sensor-enabled massage brushes for the animals. Additional features include a solar energy-powered compound lighting system and CCTV surveillance for safety and operational efficiency. The state's Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Service Department has developed standard operating procedures to ensure the smooth and effective operation of the gaushalas.

Similarly, Prime Minister Modi also unveiled the newly constructed 500-bed district hospital for Namchi district, the Swarna Jayanti Maitri Manjari project at Ridge Park in Gangtok, the passenger ropeway in Sangacholing, and the statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Atal Amrit Udyan in Sangkhola today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sikkim was canceled today due to inclement weather. While addressing the people of Sikkim virtually from Bagdogra, the Prime Minister inaugurated the infrastructure.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar