CHANDIGARH, April 6 -- Months after more than 60 cows and calves were found dead at the Raipur Kalan gaushala, the Chandigarh municipal corporation (MC) is all set to propose a Rs.60.47 lakh annual maintenance plan to improve the infrastructure and upkeep at the facility. The proposal will be taken up during the General Housemeeting on April 8. After the cattle deaths in January this year triggered widespread outrage, the UT administrator and chief secretary had carried out inspections at the gaushala and found glaring infrastructure and maintenance gaps, and directed officials to carry out urgent repairs. Following this, a detailed site inspection was carried out by municipal officials, including the junior engineer (JE), and discussions were also held with chief sanitary inspector Chander Mohan to identify critical areas needing intervention. The officials had come to the conclusion that the cattle deaths were due to hygiene and infrastructure issues. Accordingly, essential works were identified, on which the MC plans to spend Rs.60 lakh under the "development/construction of gaushala" head of the budget. The works include the repair of leaking water troughs to ensure adequate drinking water for animals, installation of ceramic wall tiles up to a height of five feet to facilitate better cleaning and hygiene, and replacing damaged rolling gates with sturdier rolling shutters, as the existing gates are frequently damaged by cattle. To further improve conditions, mesh doors are to be installed above the shutters to prevent the entry of birds, which has been a persistent issue affecting cleanliness, as per officials. Repairs to damaged drain covers along with painting and flooring fixes are also part of the plan. Officials clarified that the scope of work included in this estimate has not been covered under any previous approvals, making it a fresh proposal aimed at addressing long-pendingdeficiencies....