Odisha: Government veterinary hospital saves cow by removing 30 kgs of plastic from its stomach

In a life-saving operation, doctors at a government-run veterinary hospital in Berhampur, Odisha, successfully removed approximately 30 kg of plastic bags from the stomach of a 10-year-old cow. The operation, which lasted four hours, was led by the skilled veterinary team, headed by Satya Narayan Kar. The intervention came just in time to prevent the cow from a tragic fate, as its intestines were impacted due to the ingestion of plastic.

The distressing incident was a result of the cow resorting to feeding on leftovers discarded in polythene bags by the people. Over time, this unfortunate diet filled its stomach with indigestible plastic, posing a serious threat to its life. Fortunately, the prompt action of the veterinary team ensured the animal's survival.

Chief District Veterinary Officer of Ganjam, Manoj Kumar Sahu, emphasized the criticality of the situation, stating that had the issue been neglected, the cow would have succumbed to its plastic-filled stomach. Fortunately, due to the timely and expert medical intervention, the cow's condition stabilized, and it is now under close observation at the hospital, where it will be monitored for a week.


This isn't the first case of plastic-induced suffering seen in the district. In a similar incident last year, doctors at the same hospital removed around 15 kg of plastic from another stray cow. These occurrences serve as alarming reminders of the devastating impact of plastic pollution on innocent animals.

Sudhir Rout, the founder of Aryabhatt Foundation, an organization actively campaigning against plastic usage, expressed his concern over the persisting plastic pollution, despite the government's ban on its use, transport, and manufacture for the past five years. He appealed to the Berhampur Municipal Corporation to enforce the ban more effectively to safeguard the environment and protect the welfare of animals.

This heart-wrenching incident highlights the urgency to combat plastic pollution and raise awareness about its harmful consequences. It serves as a wake-up call for individuals, communities, and governing bodies to take collective responsibility and implement stricter measures to preserve our planet and ensure the well-being of all living beings. Saving the cow's life was a triumph, but addressing the root cause of plastic pollution remains a shared responsibility that demands immediate action.