Kolkata: Plans are being finalised to set up a gaushala, or cowshed, inside Kolkata’s Lok Bhavan, formerly known as Raj Bhavan, marking the first such facility within the historic Governor’s residence in the city.Built in 1803 during the Company rule in India, it became the official residence of the Viceroy of India in 1858 after the transfer of power from the Company to the British Crown. With the shifting of the Indian capital from then-Calcutta to New Delhi in 1911, it became the official residence of the Governor of Bengal (now West Bengal) and has served the same purpose since.Rechristened Lok Bhavan recently, the estate spanning about 27 acres around a mansion with a floor area of around 84,000 sq ft now proposes to house a unique gaushala within its sprawling complex. A detailed project report (DPR) on the proposed cowshed will be prepared after consultations with stakeholders in the state govt.A preliminary meeting was held at Lok Bhavan last week, where the project was discussed in detail. Officials from Lok Bhavan, the state animal resources development (ARD) department and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) attended the meeting.According to officials aware of the discussions, cows of different well-known breeds are likely to be accommodated at the proposed facility. The ARD department is expected to take charge of setting up the cowshed and engaging veterinary experts to monitor the health of the cattle. The KMC will be responsible for sanctioning the structure and deploying engineers to oversee construction of the permanent shed.Several Governor’s residences in other states already have gaushalas. The Goa Raj Bhavan has a specialised gaushala inaugurated to house and protect the rare indigenous Shwet Kapila cow breed. The Governor’s residence in Lucknow maintains an active cowshed within the complex, rearing indigenous cows and calves. Gujarat Raj Bhavan in Gandhinagar also houses traditional indigenous cattle, including the Gir breed, as part of initiatives linked to organic and natural farming.Sources said the proposal for Lok Bhavan in Kolkata is not limited to cattle rearing. The Governor’s residence is also exploring swan cultivation and fish farming within the complex. “Besides focusing on raising conventional fish, the Governor House officials have also shown interest in raising ornamental fish in tanks and ponds. They have also shown their keenness in the cultivation of swans. Experts in the field will be roped in to look after the project,” said an official who attended the meeting at Lok Bhavan.Officials said the proposed gaushala is also expected to include a sustainable waste management component. Cow dung generated at the facility will be converted into biogas and fertiliser, which could be used within the Lok Bhavan premises. The project, once approved, will require coordinated planning among Lok Bhavan, the ARD department and the KMC before construction begins.
