Simhachalam: the erection of sheds on Central Jail Road to house the calves donated to the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, the presiding deity of Simhachalam and the ear marking of 10 acres of land for their grazing will be completed by July 15.

Right now calves donated were in thatched sheds. Bore wells have been dug and three tonnes of green fodder, and hay was being provided and a retired veterinary doctor was giving the necessary medical assistance, Simhachalam Devasthanam Executive Officer K. Ramachandra Mohan said on Sunday. Sheds are being constructed at cost of Rs.70 lakh.

Focus turned on the conditions of calves with 21 deaths after the Gadham Amavasya Nijarupa Darshana of the presiding deity when the traditional donation of male calves peaked.

Mr. Mohan said Visakha Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals had come forward to maintain the cows if financial support and infrastructure was provided. It wanted a joint committee of its members and the devasthanam officials formed for the purpose. The proposal would be sent to the Commissioner, Endowments.

The society is now giving the calves on adoption to farmers for use in agricultural operations after verifying their bona fide, the EO added.

Mr. Mohan appealed to public to donate healthy, desi breed of calves and not the jersey breed.