Gorakhpur's Cow Protection Initiative Gains Significant Momentum
The Uttar Pradesh government's comprehensive cow protection program is achieving remarkable progress in the Gorakhpur district, marked by the rapid establishment of multiple cow shelters and the effective implementation of targeted welfare schemes. These efforts are specifically designed to safeguard stray cattle while simultaneously providing crucial support to economically disadvantaged families across the region.
Expanding Shelter Infrastructure Across the District
District officials have confirmed that a total of 34 cow shelters are currently fully operational throughout Gorakhpur. These facilities collectively possess the capacity to house approximately 5,000 cattle. At present, they are providing essential care, including secure shelter, nutritious food, and necessary medical attention, to nearly 4,500 stray animals.
To further strengthen this protective network, a major new facility named Kanha Upvan is under active development at Tal Nador by the Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation. With a substantial investment of Rs 28.94 crore, this project is poised to become the largest cow protection centre in the entire district. Upon completion, it will feature an impressive capacity to accommodate around 2,000 additional stray cattle.
Advanced Features of the New Kanha Upvan Shelter
The upcoming Kanha Upvan shelter is being constructed with state-of-the-art amenities to ensure optimal animal welfare. The comprehensive infrastructure will include:
- Dedicated cow sheds for adult cattle
- Separate calf sheds for younger animals
- Specialized birth sheds for calving
- A fully equipped administrative building
- Spacious fodder and feed storage units
- A veterinary dispensary for regular health check-ups and treatment of sick animals
Additionally, a small pond will be constructed in front of the sheds to guarantee a consistent water supply and create a more natural, comfortable environment for the cattle.
Welfare Schemes Supporting Families and Cattle
Parallel to the shelter expansion, the Chief Minister's Destitute Cattle Participation Scheme is actively distributing stray cattle to needy families and local livestock rearers. According to Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Dharmendra Kumar Pandey, approximately 250 cattle have already been entrusted to beneficiaries within the district under this compassionate program.
The state government provides substantial financial assistance to support these families, offering Rs 50 per cattle per day. This amounts to a significant monthly support of Rs 1,500 per animal to aid in their proper upkeep. Officials emphasize that this dual-benefit initiative not only ensures the proper care and protection of stray cattle but also provides valuable nutritional support to families through milk production, thereby enhancing household food security and economic stability.
The concerted efforts in Gorakhpur represent a model for integrating animal welfare with community support, demonstrating the Uttar Pradesh government's commitment to both cow protection and social welfare through practical, scalable solutions.
