New 40-acre goshala planned in Vemulawada to tackle overcrowding, improve care for ‘kodelu’

Authorities have proposed a new 40-acre goshala near Vemulawada to address overcrowding at Thippapur, where 1,250 bulls are housed in facilities built for 300. Staff and veterinary care have been stepped up, and green fodder cultivation is also planned.

RAJANNA-SIRCILLA: In the wake of recent deaths of kodelu (bulls) at the Thippapur goshala, the Sri Rajarajeshwara Swamy temple authorities and district administration are taking steps to address the issue and improve bull welfare.

To overcome the problem of overcrowding, the administration has identified 40 acres of government land in Survey No. 748 near Marripalli village in Vemulawada rural mandal for constructing a new and spacious goshala. The land details and map have reportedly been handed over to the Collector.

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At present, the existing goshala at Thippapur is spread across six acres and has six sheds, each with a capacity to accommodate 50 bulls, totalling 300. However, the number of bulls has surged to 1,250, leading to overcrowding and subsequent deaths.

Given the religious significance of the bulls to devotees of the temple, officials have intensified efforts to resolve the issue. Along with resuming bull distribution to farmers, the administration has appointed six veterinary doctors, eight veterinary assistants and 40 outsourcing employees to care for the bulls.

Earlier, there was no dedicated veterinary doctor at the goshala. Following the deaths of several kodelu in May, the Collector appointed medical staff and designated District Veterinary Officer Ravinder Reddy as the supervising officer.

Bull distribution, which had been suspended in November 2024 due to reports of misuse, resumed on June 2. Since then, 720 bulls have been distributed to farmers across five phases. Currently, 520 bulls remain in the goshala.

To ensure nutritious fodder for the bulls, the administration plans to cultivate green grass on 82 acres of government land spread across three villages within the Vemulawada limits: Hanumakkapalli (22 acres), Marripalli (40 acres), and Mudapalli (20 acres).