Khatima: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated a state‑of‑the‑art gaushala at Haldighera on Thursday, a project that cost ₹7.23 crore to build. The ceremony also marked the laying of foundation stones for 15 additional schemes totalling an estimated ₹108.84 crore.
Key infrastructure projects
Among the announced ventures is the upgrade of a 13.60‑km stretch of State Highway‑70, running from Satrah Meel to the Nanak Sagar division, for which the government has earmarked ₹34.44 crore.
Future expansion of the gaushala
Dhami emphasized that the Haldighera gaushala will be enlarged as demand grows, allowing more stray cattle to be housed safely. He highlighted the dual benefit of protecting wandering cattle and easing the burden on farmers and local residents, while also reducing the likelihood of road accidents caused by stray livestock.
Preserving cultural heritage
"Cattle protection is woven into Uttarakhand’s cultural fabric," the chief minister said, calling it both a social duty and a heritage imperative. He assured that the administration is continuously strengthening mechanisms for the welfare of stray cattle.
State‑wide initiatives
Currently, over 16,000 stray cattle receive shelter in gaushalas across Uttarakhand. The pilot Gramya Gau Sevak Yojana has been launched, and land at 63 sites has been earmarked for new gaushalas in collaboration with the Urban Development and Panchayati Raj departments.
Efforts are also underway to link cattle welfare with the rural economy. Dedicated growth centres are promoting pure ghee and dairy products derived from Badri cow milk.
Broader development focus
Dhami noted that the state is aligning cattle‑protection measures with larger economic goals, while simultaneously advancing roads, bridges, schools, flood‑control works and other public‑welfare projects throughout Khatima and Udham Singh Nagar.
He reaffirmed that delivering these initiatives on schedule, without compromising quality, remains a top priority for the government.
