In a significant move to enhance the livelihoods of Delhi’s dairy farmers, the Delhi High Court has directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to collaborate with dairy giants like Amul and Mother Dairy for a new milk collection centre at Ghogha Dairy. This initiative aims to provide stable market access and improve living conditions for dairy owners, especially those relocating from the Bhalswa Dairy colony. The court’s directive also emphasizes the need for comprehensive facilities, including grazing areas, biogas plants, and veterinary hospitals, to ensure the sustainability and economic viability of dairy farming in Delhi.
In a landmark directive aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of dairy farmers in Delhi, India, the Delhi High Court has urged the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to explore potential collaborations with prominent dairy cooperatives such as Amul and Mother Dairy. This initiative centers around the establishment of a new milk collection center at Ghogha Dairy, a recently developed site in northwest Delhi, designed to provide dairy owners with a stable and reliable market for their milk. By fostering partnerships with well-established organizations like Amul and Mother Dairy, known for their extensive distribution networks and commitment to fair pricing for farmers, the High Court aims to ensure the sustainability and economic viability of the Ghogha Dairy colony. This move is part of a broader strategy to improve the living and working conditions of dairy owners, particularly those relocating from the Bhalswa Dairy colony, while addressing the substandard conditions that have long plagued several dairy colonies across the city.
Court’s Directive and Ongoing Relocation Efforts
The Delhi High Court’s directive is part of a broader strategy to facilitate the relocation of dairy owners from the Bhalswa Dairy colony to the newly developed Ghogha Dairy site. This move aims to provide better living and working conditions for dairy owners while addressing the substandard conditions that have plagued several dairy colonies across Delhi. As per the court’s order, the MCD is required to submit a comprehensive plan to expedite the allocation of plots at Ghogha Dairy to willing residents from Bhalswa Dairy.
During recent proceedings, the court reviewed the master plan for Ghogha Dairy and noted the absence of designated areas for grazing and the establishment of a cooperative society to manage daily milk production. To address these gaps, the bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora, instructed the MCD Commissioner to consider involving a cooperative like Amul or Mother Dairy. Such involvement is expected to provide immediate access to consumers for dairy owners, enhancing the self-sufficiency and economic stability of the colony.
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Challenges and Concerns
The court also addressed various applications from Bhalswa Dairy residents contesting the demolition or sealing of their current homes, citing fears of displacement without adequate resettlement options. These concerns form part of a larger petition regarding the poor conditions in nine designated dairy colonies across Delhi, including Kakrola Dairy, Goela Dairy, Nangli Shakrawati Dairy, Jharoda Dairy, Bhalswa Dairy, Ghazipur Dairy, Shahbad Daulatpur Dairy, Madanpur Khadar Dairy, and Masoodpur Dairy.
The court underscored that the primary focus of the petition is on ensuring the health, hygiene, and safety of Delhi’s citizens and the humane treatment of animals, rather than real estate concerns. The bench emphasized its commitment to ensuring that the Delhi government and MCD provide the best possible infrastructure at the resettlement sites. This includes provisions for grazing areas, biogas plants, sewage and drainage systems, veterinary hospitals, and a fully integrated milk processing plant.
A Holistic Approach to Dairy Relocation
The Delhi High Court’s directive highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to the resettlement and rehabilitation of dairy owners, prioritizing the long-term well-being of both the community and the animals involved. By involving established cooperatives like Amul and Mother Dairy, the court aims to create a sustainable and efficient model for dairy farming in Delhi, ensuring a brighter future for dairy owners and their families.
The final layout plan, including all necessary provisions for the Ghogha Dairy site, is expected to be submitted to the court by August 25. This plan will be crucial in determining the next steps for the relocation process and the future of dairy farming in Delhi.
