Bhubaneswar: The state government has launched a toll free helpline number to solve various issues regarding livestock in Odisha.

People can get experts’ advice for dealing with various issues of their livestock by dialing the toll free helpline no. 1962, said an official of the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (F&ARD) department.

The government has decided to introduce ambulance service for domesticated animals in both urban and rural areas of the state, he added.

A decision in this regard was taken at a state level meeting on Goshalas (cowsheds) and animal helpline in the capital city here today.

At present, the state has 181 dedicated ambulances for domestic animals. The government will arrange more ambulances to extend the service to all blocks of Odisha, sources said.

As per the decisions taken in the meeting, all Goshalas in Odisha are advised to register themselves with the state government.

Besides, managements of all Goshalas have been asked to opt for best practices to ensure welfare for the cattle.

The state government has sanctioned Rs 10 crore for this purpose in this year’s Budget, said F&ARD Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain.

“Steps will be taken to utilize the cow dung collected from the Goshalas as manure in agriculture under the Mo Khata scheme of the state government,” he added.

Goshala management committees, veterinarians, NGOs, Animal Helpline representatives and senior officials of the F&ARD department were present at the meeting.