KATHMANDU: Chief Minister of the Sudurpaschim State held talks with chiefs of the local levels for the management of stray cattle – one of the main problems plaguing Kailali and Kanchanpur districts.

The discussion presided over by Chief Minister Trilochan Bhatta on Wednesday constituted a taskforce under the premiership of Minister for Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives of the Sudurpaschim State Binita Chaudhary.

The taskforce has been given a month-long timeline to prepare a comprehensive plan for the management of stray cattle and present it to the next meeting, informed Shiva Singh Wali, the personal secretary of chief minister. It is shared that the coordinator is mandated to determine the number of appointees in the taskforce and the sectors of representation.

During the discussion, Nripa Bahadur Wad, Mayor of the Dhangadhi sub-metropolitan city, said complete management of stray cattle remained impossible despite rigorous efforts. “The sub-metropolis has managed stray cattle in a protective shelter for cows (Gaushala). But, the inflow of unmanaged cattle to Dhangadhi from other local levels is a big issue”.

Likewise, Bhim Bahadur Deuba, mayor of the Gauriganga municipality of Kailali, proposed the construction of a cow ranch for the integrated management of cattle.

Hari Singh Saud, mayor of the Godavari municipality, shared that the meeting discussed the collaborative efforts of local governments and state government for the management of stray cattle.

The local levels initiated a discussion with the state government to muster wider support for the management of stray cattle in the districts.