Gorakhpur: In Gorakhpur, the initiative to protect stray cattle under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership has shown remarkable progress. The Uttar Pradesh government is simultaneously running two major programs: the Stray Cattle Participation Scheme and the Stray Cattle Protection Campaign. These programs aim to provide shelter, nutrition, and care to stray cows, while also encouraging citizens to take on cattle rearing.
Stray Cattle Participation Scheme: A Two-Pronged Approach
The Stray Cattle Participation Scheme has proven to be a win-win for both stray cattle and the people involved in cattle rearing. Under this scheme:
- Individuals are given stray cows or bulls for free.
- The government pays ₹50 per day for the upkeep of each animal, amounting to ₹1,500 per month per cattle.
- A single person can adopt up to four cattle.
This scheme not only provides nutritional support to stray cattle but also helps those interested in animal husbandry to become cattle owners without any initial financial burden.
According to Dr. Dharmendra Pandey, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Gorakhpur, the scheme has made excellent progress in the current financial year (2024-25). A target of 361 cattle was set for adoption, but already 474 cattle have been handed over, benefiting 260 livestock owners. The total expenditure for their care so far amounts to ₹70.44 lakh.
Stray Cattle Protection Campaign: Expanding Shelters
In addition to promoting cattle ownership, the government has also established numerous shelters to protect stray cattle. Many cattle owners abandon bulls they find unsuitable for their purposes, leaving them vulnerable to accidents and malnutrition. To address this issue, the Yogi government has set up large-scale Goshalas (cow shelters).
Currently, there are:
- 25 temporary cow shelters housing 1,391 cattle.
- 3 Kanha Goshalas with 3,040 cattle.
- 2 large-scale cow protection centers housing 2,886 cattle.
- 4 registered Goshalas with 553 cattle.
- 3 unregistered Goshalas sheltering 304 cattle.
- 23 Kanjis Houses housing 1,697 cattle.
In total, 9,871 cattle are being protected under this scheme, surpassing the target of 8,851 for the year 2024-25 by 111.52%.
Dr. Pandey emphasized that if anyone faces difficulties in raising cattle, especially bulls, they should not abandon them on the streets. Instead, the cattle should be brought to government-run shelters, where they will receive care and protection while ensuring that owners avoid legal issues.
This initiative by the Uttar Pradesh government has set a new benchmark in the protection and welfare of stray cattle, demonstrating both compassion and practicality in addressing this pressing issue.
