Khatima. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday inaugurated the newly constructed gaushala (cow shelter) built at a cost of ₹7.23 crore in Haldighera. During the event, he also laid the foundation stone for 15 development projects worth ₹108.84 crore. Prominent among these is the upgrading of a 13.60 km stretch of State Highway-70 from Satrahmeel to the Nanaksagar division, at a cost of ₹34.44 crore.
The Chief Minister announced the expansion of the Haldighera gaushala in the future as needed. He stated that following the expansion, safe and dignified shelter will be provided to a larger number of destitute cattle. This will ensure better care for cattle while bringing relief to farmers and local residents, as well as reducing the risk of road accidents caused by stray cattle.
Shelter Provided to Over 16,000 Destitute Cattle
The Chief Minister shared that safe shelter is currently being provided to over 16,000 destitute cattle across the state through gau sadans (cow shelters). The Gramya Gau Sevak Yojana has been launched as a pilot project. In collaboration with the Urban Development and Panchayati Raj departments, land has been identified across 63 locations in the state for constructing gaushalas.
He stated that alongside protecting cattle, efforts are being made to link cattle rearing with the rural economy. Special development centers have been established to promote pure ghee and dairy products of the indigenous Badri cow.
Emphasis on Roads, Bridges, and Flood Protection
The Chief Minister highlighted that continuous work is underway to strengthen roads, bridges, education, flood protection, and other infrastructure facilities across Khatima and the entire Udham Singh Nagar district. Completing development projects in a time-bound and high-quality manner remains the government’s top priority.
The Chief Minister added that cattle hold a sacred place in Indian culture, and protecting them is both a tradition and a responsibility. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting cultural heritage and traditions alongside advancing development and public welfare.
