The Haryana government is fully committed to making the state free of stray cattle, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said on Monday. Chairing a meeting to review the situation, he directed officials to ensure that no stray cattle roam on roads or public places, as they pose a risk to road safety and damage crops.
New Shelters and Enforcement
The Chief Minister announced the construction of new cattle shelters (gaushalas) in every district. He also ordered strict enforcement of laws against abandoning cattle. Owners found guilty of letting their animals stray will face penalties.
Relief for Farmers
Khattar emphasized that protecting crops from stray cattle is a priority. The government will provide compensation to farmers for crop damage caused by strays. A dedicated helpline will be set up for farmers to report cattle-related issues.
Officials were instructed to identify hotspots where stray cattle are most prevalent and deploy rapid response teams to capture and relocate them to shelters. The CM also stressed the need for public awareness campaigns to discourage the abandonment of cattle.
The state has already allocated funds for the maintenance of existing gaushalas and the establishment of new ones. The Animal Husbandry Department will monitor the progress monthly.
