unn panjrapol

In Jainism, "Jeev Daya" translates to "compassion for living beings" and is a core principle emphasizing non-violence (ahimsa) and empathy. This philosophy reflects a profound respect for all forms of life, affirming that every living being, from humans to animals, and even microscopic organisms, possesses a soul and deserves kindness and consideration.

Panjrapol: A Sanctuary for Animals

In Gujarat, cattle shelters, known as ‘Panjrapol,’ serve as vital facilities for the care and treatment of animals. These shelters are supported through individual contributions, community service, and philanthropy to ensure a continuous supply of fodder and veterinary care throughout the year. Special attention is given during droughts and natural disasters to safeguard and care for cattle and other animals.

Unn Panjrapol Project

The cattle shelter in Unn, Banaskantha, was established to house 1,500 cattle after a severe flood damaged the previous enclosure. Situated on an agrarian belt
near a small village lake, the new site benefits from existing neem trees and local species, which guided the design to maximize natural shade and environmental harmony.

client:

shree siddhi bhuvan manohar jain panjarapol

location:

unn village, banaskantha, gujarat

design team:

uday andhare, mausami andhare, anurag rajput

consultants:

structural consultant: ami engineers, mehul shah; plumbing consultant : jaycon consultants, vaishali mewada; civil contractors: vpan civil consultants, atul nandankar & vishal patel; carpentry work: dungarsinh mistry, ahmedabad; fabrication work: khodiyar engineering works, bhavesh panchal

site area:

33,500 sq. mtrs.

building area:

5000 sq. mtrs.

completion year:

2022

photo credits:

uday andhare

Project Features

Administrative Facilities

  • Gated entry and weigh bridge
  • Offices
  • Fodder storage sheds
  • Living quarters for caretakers and their families

Animal Care and Grazing

  • Single and double-bay cow sheds with ample space for fodder distribution Roofs designed to withstand cyclonic conditions and provide heat insulation with mezzanine-level fodder storage
  • Manageable clusters of sheds for feeding and isolating cattle
  • Easy maintenance and hygiene
  • Comfortable living conditions with natural shade and weather protection
  • Watering holes within grazing areas for free-roaming cattle
  • Quarantine sheds for treating sick cattle
  • Separate vehicular access for efficient management

Animal By-product Management

  • Underground urine collection tanks
  • Dedicated cow dung storage
  • Systems for distributing bio-waste as manure to local farmers

 Eco-Initiatives and Flood Management

  • Conservation and enhancement of existing tree cover and biodiversity
  • Introduction of beneficial grass species
  • Ground terracing to provide flood protection and create raised congregation zones
  • Percolation wells with adequate capacity to recharge groundwater and prevent flash floods
  • Reviving existing wells for sustainable drinking water supply

 

This project not only exemplifies Jeev Daya by providing compassionate care to
animals but also integrates eco-friendly practices to sustain both the environment and the community.

 

Architectural design strategy

The typology of the fodder storage shed of the region is extended to house the
administrative office and the guest house as a unified enclosure, punctuated by
the entry gate within a tall volume. Reminiscent of the local ‘Delo’ or entry alcove, this space assumes an important position in the organization of the public functions.

The entry forecourt  allows for space to negotiate fodder laden vehicles and visitors on certain occasions.

The cattle sheds follow an organization that is dictated by the existing trees to
avail of natural shade  while allowing free flow of breeze. The organization of the sheds works as a defence from the harsh summer winds from the south and west turning their backs and creating a central space for the cattle within the verdant enclosure of trees. Water troughs are placed strategically to ensure continuous supply of drinking water for the cattle. The landscape is restorative in nature, allowing for natural grasses to flourish amidst newly planted and existing trees. The land gradient enables storm water drainage to peripheral drainage channels in the monsoon.

Materiality & Details

The sheds use simple hollow metal section portal frames resting on exposed cement concrete columns and walls using concrete breeze blocks to funnel the breeze and cut the harsh sun. Robust metal details anchor galvalume sheet metal
roofing in place with appropriate wind bracing. Coarse plastered and painted
walls and use of plinth protection using pebble-Crete ensure resilience and low
maintenance.  The cross section allows for a storage mezzanine to hold hay and insulate the space below. RCC urine collection tanks below ground and dung collection yards are an important feature of the design that ensure easy transportability for farmers who use the liquid as foliar spray and manure in nearby fields.

Project Features

Administrative Facilities

  • Gated entry and weigh bridge
  • Offices
  • Fodder storage sheds
  • Living quarters for caretakers and their families

Animal Care and Grazing

  • Single and double-bay cow sheds with ample space for fodder distribution Roofs designed to withstand cyclonic conditions and provide heat insulation with mezzanine-level fodder storage
  • Manageable clusters of sheds for feeding and isolating cattleRead More