Cow service is an integral part of our faith and culture and an important means of strengthening the rural economy: Chief Minister
More than 16,000 destitute cattle are being provided protection in 72 registered and nine contracted cow shelters across the state
Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday inaugurated the modern ‘Kamdhenu Lok’ cow shelter at the Kamdhenu Lok building in Saptarishi, Haridwar. On the occasion, the Chief Minister appreciated the work being carried out by Shri Krishnayan Desi Gaurakshala in the fields of cow service, cattle protection and human service. He said that initiatives such as Kamdhenu Lok would play an important role not only in protecting cattle but also in strengthening Indian culture, environmental conservation and the rural economy.
The Chief Minister said that Mother Cow holds a special place in Indian culture and the Sanatan tradition. In our tradition, the cow is regarded as the embodiment of all deities. Even today, in villages, cows are treated as members of the family and cared for accordingly. He said cow service is not merely a matter of religious faith but also an integral part of our cultural heritage, social life and rural economy. Through cattle protection, environmental conservation, natural farming and rural livelihoods can also be promoted.
Referring to the service journey of Shri Krishnayan Desi Gaurakshala, the Chief Minister said that the initiative, which began in 2010 with the protection of just 11 cattle, had today grown into a widespread movement. According to information provided by the organisation, more than 35,000 cattle are currently being served and protected through over 15 cow shelters across five states. In Haridwar alone, thousands of destitute, injured, aged and sick cattle are being provided lifelong protection, including a large number of Nandi bulls.
The Chief Minister said that the organisation was also doing commendable work in the field of human service along with cow service. Through its five hydraulic cow-service ambulances, the organisation has so far rescued more than 5,000 cattle and transported them to safe shelters. Proper arrangements are being made for their medical treatment, fodder and nutritious feed. In addition, the organisation provides meals to more than 1,500 needy people every day and also supplies ration and medical assistance to families in need. He said that such initiatives based on service and dedication are an inspiration to society.
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, continuous efforts are being made across the country to promote cattle protection, the conservation and development of indigenous breeds, and natural farming. The Uttarakhand government is also committed to modernising cow shelters, caring for destitute cattle and encouraging cow-based livelihoods. He said efforts were being made to economically empower rural families, particularly women, through cattle rearing.
The Chief Minister said that special growth centres had been established in the state to promote pure ghee and other dairy products made from the Badri cow. Three such growth centres are operating in Chamoli district alone. These initiatives are providing better opportunities to local livestock owners while encouraging milk production and self-employment in the hill regions.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is currently providing safe shelter to more than 16,000 destitute cattle through 72 registered and nine contracted cow shelters across Uttarakhand. In addition, the Gramya Gausevak Yojana has been launched as a pilot project to strengthen arrangements for cow service and protection at the village level. He informed that land has been identified at 63 locations across the state for the construction of cow shelters with the support of the Urban Development and Panchayati Raj departments. Work towards constructing shelters at these locations is being taken forward.
The Chief Minister said that protecting destitute cattle is an important challenge in the present circumstances. With the increasing use of machines in agricultural activities, the traditional utility of cattle, particularly Nandi bulls, has undergone a change. In this situation, it is necessary to develop long-term and practical solutions for cattle protection. He said that merely constructing cow shelters would not be sufficient; cattle protection must also be linked with natural farming, organic manure, biogas and agricultural innovations. This would help increase farmers' incomes and strengthen the rural economy along with promoting cattle protection.
The Chief Minister said cow service was not merely the responsibility of the government but a collective responsibility of society. Public participation was extremely important in this regard. The state government is ensuring effective implementation of laws related to cattle protection. He made it clear that cruelty towards cattle and illegal activities such as cow slaughter would not be tolerated under any circumstances. Strict action would be taken against those responsible in accordance with the law.
The Chief Minister said that Haridwar is a major centre of faith, devotion and spiritual consciousness in the country. Projects such as Kamdhenu Lok would further enrich the spiritual and cultural identity of Haridwar. He said the state government was making extensive preparations to ensure that the Kumbh Mela scheduled to be held in Haridwar in 2027 is grand, divine and well-organised. Special attention is being given to developing road and traffic arrangements, new bridges, connecting roads and other infrastructure facilities for the convenience of devotees.
The Chief Minister said that, in view of the Kumbh Mela, security, healthcare and emergency services were being strengthened. Arrangements for technology-based crowd management were also being developed. The government's effort is to ensure that devotees arriving from across the country and abroad return with a pleasant experience of Devbhoomi's spiritual heritage, cleanliness, orderly arrangements and hospitality.
The Chief Minister said that the state government was continuously working with its firm resolve to make Uttarakhand the best state in the country. Connecting cattle protection, environmental conservation and rural livelihoods is also an important part of this resolve. He expressed confidence that the Kamdhenu Lok cow shelter would become an exemplary model integrating cow service, environmental conservation and spiritual tourism.
The Chief Minister congratulated and extended his best wishes to all the saints, volunteers, office-bearers and associates of Shri Krishnayan Desi Gaurakshala for undertaking this noble work.
On the occasion, former Chief Minister and former Governor of Maharashtra Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Cabinet Ministers Shri Subodh Uniyal, Shri Madan Kaushik and Shri Pradeep Batra, Rajya Sabha MP Shri Naresh Bansal, MLAs Shri Premchand Aggarwal and Shri Pritam Singh Panwar, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Ishwardas Maharaj, Swami Atmanand Maharaj, along with several saints, public representatives and distinguished personalities, were present.
