A potential milk supply disruption is looming over Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal after authorities began demolishing hundreds of illegal cattle sheds in Dankuni following a directive from the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
The eviction drive commenced early Wednesday, sparking concerns over an immediate shortfall in milk distribution across the state. According to local estimates, nearly 700 cattle sheds — locally known as khatal — were operating illegally along both banks of the Dankuni Canal. These facilities, which house over 8,500 dairy animals, are reported to supply a substantial portion of the daily milk consumed in West Bengal.
Officials from multiple departments, including police, municipal workers from Dankuni Municipality, and veterinarians from the state’s animal resources department, oversaw the operation. Bulldozers were deployed to dismantle makeshift sheds amid heavy security presence to prevent resistance from cattle shed owners and workers. Cattle shed owners allege the eviction will affect more than 200,000 people whose livelihoods depend on the dairy trade. “These khatals produce milk that reaches consumers across the state every day. Shutting them down without an alternative arrangement will create a milk crisis,” said a shed operator, requesting anonymity.
The NGT had previously directed the removal of these illegal setups by July 19, citing environmental damage to the canal. Authorities say the structures had encroached on nearly two kilometers of land along the canal, leading to waste disposal issues and choking the water body. Despite repeated warnings, khatal owners did not relocate or submit any proposals for alternative arrangements. “There was ample time given. We are only enforcing the court’s order,” a district official told media.
However, owners contend that instead of demolition, the government could have installed waste chambers and drainage systems to regulate effluents, which would have preserved both livelihoods and the environment. As operations continue, dairy supply chains may begin to feel the strain. Local milk distributors and retailers have expressed concern about potential shortages and price spikes if the evictions proceed without an immediate contingency plan.
State authorities have not yet announced any measures to compensate for the expected shortfall in milk or provide relocation support to the displaced cattle owners.
