Archive · 12 Nov 2025
200-Year-Old Nalbari Goshala Crumbles Due to Neglect, Locals Seek Government Aid
Imagine a very old house for cows, 200 years old, in a town called Nalbari.
This house is falling apart because no one is taking care of it properly, especially the grown-ups in charge of the town.
Even though people try to help by giving hay to feed the cows, there's no good place to store it, so it gets ruined by rain.
Also, there's no fence, so sometimes cows wander off and bother farmers, or sadly, they get stolen.
The people who work there can't get paid much.
The cow house used to have many cows, but now there are only about 50 because it's so hard to keep them there.
The people who live nearby want the government to give money and help fix the old cow house so it can be a safe and good place for cows again.
The 200-year-old goshala in Sariahtali, Nalbari, is in a state of neglect and disrepair.
The State government has not provided any financial assistance to the goshala.
Infrastructure issues include dilapidated sheds, lack of proper hay storage, and the absence of fencing.
Land belonging to the goshala has been encroached upon and eroded by a nearby river.
Locals and the management committee are appealing to the government for support to preserve and develop the historic cow shelter.
- Who
- The management committee and local community of a 200-year-old goshala in Nalbari, Assam.
- What
- The historic goshala is in a dilapidated state due to neglect and lack of government support, leading to a decrease in cattle and infrastructure issues.
- When
- The goshala, established around 200 years ago, is currently in a dire state.
- Where
- Sariahtali, Nalbari district, Assam.
- Why
- Lack of government funding and attention has resulted in neglect, land encroachment, and infrastructural decay, impacting the shelter's ability to house and protect cattle.
Current Government Stance
Local & Management Committee Plea
Government Funding and Support
Current Government Stance
The State government has not released any funds for the goshala.
Local & Management Committee Plea
Locals and the management committee urge the government to provide financial support for preservation and development, noting that donations of hay are common but lack proper storage.
Preservation Efforts
Current Government Stance
Despite the State's BJP unit's efforts to protect cattle from illegal slaughter, no specific steps have been taken for this particular goshala.
Local & Management Committee Plea
The management committee faces significant problems in preserving the old cow shelter, leading to a decrease in the number of cows and the need for new, scientific barns.
- Age of Goshala
- 200 years old
- Location
- Sariahtali, Nalbari district, Assam
- Establishment Context
- Established by inmates of a second ashram parallel to Sri Sri Dudh Nath Ashram, founded in 1818 by Paramananda Brahmachari.
- Current Number of Cows
- Approximately 50
- Land Issues
- Portions of land occupied by individuals; some land eroded by the Burhadia river.
- Key Needs
- Fencing to prevent theft and cows wandering, new scientific barns, proper storage for donated hay.