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Banning Cow Slaughter
My Question this Week
There is no doubt, that for a substantial proportion of Indians “gau mata” is not just another animal, but is more a boon from god that sustains us with nourishment and livelihoods. This holy status was reflected by many past efforts by Gandhians and also Socialists, many of whom were Congress leaders, to ban gau vadh (cow slaughter). This is currently being pushed forcefully by what is conventionally termed Hindutva organizations.
But the key question is, what takes precedence - economic and now environmental rationality, or beliefs? And on that as well India’s governance framework is quite clear, it is for the political process to decide. If India’s politics decides that ‘gau mata’ cannot be killed, then the next question is how would we minimize the economic loss emanating from retired cattle? And this is also not just an economic issue, it also has deep moral and ethical dilemmas. If the state uses force to prevent the killing of cows, then should not the state also take responsibility for ensuring that poor farmers or unprotected forests and green spaces don’t suffer?
There are only two options before us if gau-vadh is to be banned. First, we can categorize only Indian desi cows as gau which are to be protected, but not the international or alien breeds and hybrids. Holstein and Jersey cows for instance have different physical and behavioral characteristics than Indian cows. Their milk characteristics are also different. Though difficult to monitor, this can simultaneously protect the gau and Mother Earth, and also reduce the burden on cattle owners. Second, in this alternative path, the government would purchase all retired cattle to be maintained in government-funded gau-shalas. The latter will require significant expenditure which eventually will need to be paid for by the Indian public. Which one do you prefer?
My Views this Week
Click on this LINK and see an amazing dynamic map that shows major points of emissions globally, including in India. Expand it and see how refineries, massive coal power plants, and large industries compete with cities in emitting greenhouse gases.
My News this Week
Obstacles to India’s Green Aviation plans
An alternative to lithium batteries
Wet pet food 7 times worse for climate
Biologist honored by UN for rare storks
Indian govt pushes forward on green bonds
Turtle conservation gets global support
Krishna’s cities to become carbon neutral
Japanese clean up to celebrate their win
Lab-grown meat cleared for human consumption
My Reports this Week
Extreme Weather Event News this Week
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