Lucknow: In a landmark step towards promoting cattle welfare and rural development, the Uttar Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has announced the establishment of Adarsh Gaushalas (Model Cow Shelters) in every division of the state. The initiative aims to make selected cow shelters self-reliant and integrate them into natural farming and rural empowerment models.
As part of the first phase, eight divisions—Ayodhya, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Chitrakoot, Bareilly, Agra, Kanpur, and Jhansi—have been selected to develop model cow shelters and one model block each for cow-based natural farming. These model clusters will showcase sustainable rural development practices.
Bareilly’s ‘Khangwa Shyam Srishti Mangalam Gaushala’ to be the First Model Shelter
Leading the way, the Khangwa Shyam Srishti Mangalam Gaushala located in the Majhgawan block of Bareilly has been declared the first Adarsh Atmanirbhar Gaushala (Model Self-Reliant Cow Shelter). This shelter will adopt a waste-free, interlocked shed design aimed at minimizing fodder wastage, making it a replicable model for other shelters across the state.
According to Shyam Bihari Gupta, Chairman of the UP Cow Service Commission, this gaushala will serve as a pioneer in the state’s mission to promote cow welfare and sustainable agriculture.
Cow-Based Natural Farming and Rural Transformation
Under the Chief Minister’s ambitious Gram Urja Model, gaushalas are being reimagined as rural development hubs. The selected blocks will be developed into zones of cow-based natural farming, helping farmers reduce their dependence on chemical fertilizers and boosting organic agricultural practices.
Women and Youth Empowerment through Cow Shelters
The Yogi government also plans to integrate women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs) and local youth into the gaushala ecosystem. By linking them to cow shelters and promoting the production of cow-based goods, the initiative aims to open up new income-generating opportunities and drive local employment.
A Major Shift from Past Government Policies
Dr. Anurag Srivastava, OSD to the UP Cow Service Commission, remarked that previous governments paid minimal attention to cow protection and rural economy. However, under CM Yogi Adityanath’s administration, this area has received new energy and focus.
“Modern facilities will be incorporated in these gaushalas, and multiple welfare schemes will be implemented to ensure their self-sustainability. This will not only enhance cow conservation but also create significant rural employment and economic growth,” Dr. Srivastava added.
The model gaushalas, once fully functional, are expected to act as rural economic engines—driving organic farming, employment, and environmental consciousness in every division of the state.
