INDIA FIRST . RAIPUR . RITESH SAHU
In a significant move for cow protection and rural development, Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai today inaugurated the ambitious Gaudham Scheme of the Chhattisgarh government at a program held at Guru Ghasidas Central University, Bilaspur.
Under the first phase of the scheme, 29 Gaudhams have started operating across 11 districts of the state. In addition, the CM laid the foundation stone for the state’s first cow sanctuary in Jogipur village, Kota block of Bilaspur district. The proposed sanctuary will span approximately 184 acres and, upon completion, will provide care and shelter for around 2,500 cattle. The state government has sanctioned ₹1.32 crore for the first phase of its development.
Speaking at the event, CM Sai emphasized the cultural, religious, and economic significance of cows in Indian society. He said the Gaudham Scheme will provide safe shelter to stray and wandering cattle while promoting livestock conservation and cow welfare.
To boost dairy farming and milk production, the state government has signed an MoU with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). Under this initiative, cows are being distributed across various districts, leading to positive outcomes in dairy production.
The CM assured that Gaudhams will provide fodder, water, and proper care for the cattle. The initiative will also generate local employment opportunities, strengthening the rural economy. All government-established Gaudhams will now be known as “Surabhi Gaudham”, and training programs on animal husbandry, fodder production, and cow dung product manufacturing will be conducted to promote self-employment.
CM Sai added that the scheme could also reduce road accidents, as stray cattle will have safe shelter.
Other dignitaries present at the event included Union State Minister Tokhan Sahu, who called the scheme a “sacred initiative” and highlighted cow protection as integral to Indian culture, and Agriculture & Livestock Minister Ramvichar Netam, who described the day as historic for Chhattisgarh. He stated that each development block will receive 10 Gaudhams in a phased manner to conserve cattle and create employment.
Visheshwar Patel, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Cow Service Commission, emphasized the importance of cows for human existence and praised the government’s well-planned approach to cattle conservation.
The program was attended by prominent officials, including MLAs Amar Agarwal, Dharm Lal Kaushik, Dharmjit Singh, Sushant Shukla, Bilaspur Mayor Pooja Vidhani, Commissioner Sunil Jain, IG Ram Gopal Garg, Collector Sanjay Agarwal, SSP Rajnesh Singh, Director of Veterinary Services Chandrakant Verma, along with numerous cow breeders and distinguished citizens.
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