NEW DELHI: More than 300 dead cows were found lying in the open at a municipal dumping yard near Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, sparking outrage after disturbing videos from the site spread widely on social media on Sunday (May 24).
The incident, which surfaced from a dumping ground on Ramgarh Road around 7 km from the district headquarters, has intensified questions over cattle protection, civic oversight, and the handling of dead animal disposal in the region.
The visuals angered many locals and cow lovers, who said the condition in which the animals were found exposed the reality behind repeated claims of cow welfare and protection.
According to police and local officials, the carcasses had allegedly been dumped in the open instead of being disposed of in the designated area assigned to the contractor responsible for handling dead animals within Municipal Council limits.
The matter came to light after a group of Gau Premis visited the dumping yard on Saturday and found carcasses scattered across the area. As the videos spread across social media on Sunday, anger began building among local residents and people associated with cow welfare groups.
Following the uproar, Jaisalmer District Collector Anupama Jorwal sought a factual report on the matter, while Municipal Council Commissioner Lajpal Singh Sodha issued a show cause notice to the contractor concerned.
Contractor issued notice after carcasses found dumped in open
The notice was served to Goparam, son of Dudaram, a resident of Barmer district, who had been awarded the contract for lifting dead animals, skin, and bones within Jaisalmer Municipal Council limits for the financial year 2025-26.
In the notice, the Municipal Council stated that dead animals were being dumped openly at the site, leading to environmental pollution and anger among nearby residents.
Officials said a separate pit and designated area had already been identified for disposal of dead animals, but the contractor allegedly failed to use the approved space.
The notice warned that repeated violations could lead to legal action, cancellation of the contract, and forfeiture of the contractor’s security deposit.
After the administration stepped in, JCB machines were deployed at the dumping yard to clear the carcasses and begin disposal work.
Locals question cattle welfare claims
The incident has also reignited debate around the condition of stray cattle and the functioning of gaushalas in the state.
Residents and cow welfare supporters said the images exposed serious gaps in cattle management despite repeated public claims around cow protection.
Hukam Dan, a local Gau Premi, expressed shock over the condition in which the animals were found.
“The sight is deeply disturbing and shameful. On a land where cows are worshipped, seeing them left to rot in garbage shakes the conscience,” he said.
Locals have also demanded better arrangements for stray cattle, including proper shelters, fodder, water supply, and medical treatment facilities.
The administration has not yet confirmed whether further action will be taken beyond the notice issued to the contractor. -The Statesman/ANN
