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In the overrun cities of India, finding space to house the surplus population can be a challenge, and when it’s so difficult to find room for humans, it’s no surprise that India’s animals are having an even rougher time. Though there are many NGO’s battling this problem every day and re-homing as many strays as they possibly can, it’s becoming too vast an issue to tackle. Mumbai-based NGO Animals Matter To Me (AMTM), has decided to take matters into their own hands by setting up a 17-acre farm in Kolad to provide suffering animals with sanctuary. Unlike inner-city shelters where the ultimate goal is to find happy homes for their residents, AMTM’s sanctuary will be aimed towards providing a space for animals that are aging, ill or handicapped and would be unlikely to find homes elsewhere.
To ensure that the space is entirely self-sustaining there’s an on-site organic farm as well as gaushalas (cow sheds). AMTM Chairman Ganesh Nayak explains that, “Cattle will support natural manure and for other products which we will make under this model with more than 80 products which will be chemical free. Produce of veggies & fruits are now being sorted for supply to urban markets which will be sold under our sanctuary umbrella alongside many other native handicrafts made by women from close by villages which will be environment friendly. All the revenue generated from all programs & produce will be used for sanctuary maintenance.” Apart from its primary role as sanctuary, it will also double up as a leisure centre where people can camp out, enjoy trekking and biking trails, get a taste of farm life and help out at the sanctuary.
Right now they’re still in their nascent stages and are looking for all the help they can get, so if you’re looking for a way to assist some animals in need or even help design and beautify the sanctuary you can join their weekend volunteer program. Nayak urges everyone to join their cause saying, “8 years ago when we started we knew we have to do something for animal welfare which is least thought of and chosen as an field of interest. We aim to build one of the best sanctuary in Maharashtra & aid many more in need via good support and blessings of all.”
To volunteer drop them a line at ganesh@amtmindia.org or contact them via Facebook.
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