Anil Vij, the Minister of Home Affairs, has rejected the complex's design. The project to shift dairies operating in residential areas and Gwal Mandis of Ambala Sadar is unlikely to begin soon. A survey conducted by the Municipal Council, Ambala Sadar, last year revealed that over 900 dairies were operational in the Sadar area with nearly 15,000 animals. Of these, 108 dairies were supposed to be shifted to Brahmin Majra village, where a dairy complex is proposed to be built on 21 acres in the first phase. Currently, cow dung is being flown into drains, resulting in blockages and poor sanitation conditions. According to the proposal, 29 plots of 1,000 gaj each were to be given to dairy owners with more than 50 animals and 79 plots of 500 gaj each were to be given to dairy owners with 25 to 50 animals. However, the design prepared for the complex was rejected after Home Minister Anil Vij expressed dissatisfaction over the design, capacity to keep animals, and amenities provided. The chief architect has been directed to prepare a revised design. The shifting of dairies has been a long-pending project. In 2003, the then Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala had directed the administration to shift all dairies under a special campaign to maintain sanitation. However, the task remained unaccomplished due to different reasons. Dr Prem Singh, Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry Department, said there were issues related to drainage, the placement of water tanks, and chaff cutting machines besides other design-related issues. Earlier, a dairy complex was constructed at Khatauli village of Ambala City, where the dairy owners have been facing issues due to poor drainage. To avoid repetition of the same situation at Brahmin Majra, the required changes have been suggested in the design. Meanwhile, Dr Nirmal Nagar, Administrator, Municipal Council Ambala Sadar, said the design prepared for the project was not appropriate, and not much attention was paid to detailing and amenities to be given to the dairy owners, which led to its rejection. It has been decided to hold a meeting with the concerned officials of the municipal council and the Animal Husbandry Department, and the chief architect to resolve all issues related to the project. “We are also planning that instead of giving plots to the dairy owners to avoid any disputes, the structure should be constructed by the council and then handed over to the dairy owners. We will discuss this point with the Home Minister soon,” he added.
