Kumar Bahukhandi
IN Short
- All Gaudham Centres in the State to be Known as “Surabhi Gaudham”
- Gaudham Yojana to Strengthen the Rural Economy: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai launched the Gaudham Yojana by inaugurating a Gaudham facility at Lakhassar village in Takhatpur development block of Bilaspur district on Mar 14, marking a significant step towards strengthening cattle conservation in Chhattisgarh. On the occasion, the Chief Minister worshipped Gau Mata and inspected the Gaudham premises to review its arrangements and facilities.
During the visit, Chief Minister Sai inspected the arrangements made for the care of stray and destitute cattle, including fodder supply, drinking water facilities and veterinary care. He also reviewed the grazing land developed for the animals.
It is worth mentioning that the Gaudham in Lakhassar village has been developed over nearly 25 acres of land, of which 19 acres have been dedicated to the cultivation of green fodder for cattle. The Gaudham is being managed by the Kamdhenu Gaushala Samiti.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stated that the newly launched Gaudham Yojana aims to provide safe shelter to stray cattle, strengthen cattle conservation and contribute to rural economic growth. He stated that Godhan has always been a key pillar of Chhattisgarh’s rural culture, agricultural system, and village economy, and that the state government is therefore continuously working to protect it.
Chief Minister Sai emphasised that the state government is implementing the Gaudham Yojana in a phased manner across Chhattisgarh to ensure systematic care for stray cattle and to reinforce the tradition of Gau Seva. He announced that all Gaudham centres across the state will now be known as “Surabhi Gaudham”.
The Chief Minister further stated that Gaudham centres will also serve as training hubs for rural livelihood activities. Training programmes will be conducted on animal husbandry, green fodder production and the preparation of useful products from cow dung. These initiatives will help promote self-employment opportunities for local residents while simultaneously strengthening the rural economy.
During the event, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also announced several development projects for Lakhassar village. He announced that a Mahtari Sadan, a Mini Stadium, and a 500-metre-long Gaurav Path will be constructed in the village.
Additionally, Rs. 25 lakh has been sanctioned for the construction of a training building at the Lakhassar Gaudham, along with the provision of one cow catcher vehicle and one animal ambulance. These measures are expected to further strengthen cattle protection efforts and support local development initiatives.
The Chief Minister also interacted with cattle rearers and villagers during the programme and reviewed ongoing efforts to conserve cattle in the region. He appreciated the work of individuals and organisations engaged in Gau Seva and encouraged them to continue their service with dedication. He congratulated volunteers and workers involved in this noble initiative and urged citizens to actively contribute to protecting and improving cattle welfare.
Takhatpur MLA Dharamjit Singh, addressing the gathering, stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Chhattisgarh is witnessing comprehensive development. He noted that the Chief Minister consistently fulfils the commitments made to the people. Several development works approved for the Takhatpur region are already completed, while many others are progressing rapidly. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and said that the government’s initiatives have accelerated development in the region.
Welcoming the Chief Minister at the event, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Gau Seva Commission Visheshar Patel thanked him for launching the Gaudham Yojana. He said that this initiative will provide a new direction to cattle conservation in the state and ensure better protection for stray and abandoned cattle.
Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam, MLA Amar Agrawal, MLA Dharamlal Kaushik and MLA Shri Sushant Shukla, Bilaspur Commissioner Sunil Jain, IG Ramgopal Garg, Collector Sanjay Agrawal, SSP Rajnesh Singh, Director of Veterinary Services Chandrakant Verma, along with a large number of farmers, cattle rearers and local residents were present.
