Rs 7.23-crore facility inaugurated; foundation stones laid for 15 development projects worth Rs 108.84 crore
Khatima (Uttarakhand), Sept 2026 : Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday inaugurated a newly constructed gaushala at Haldighera in Khatima, built at a cost of Rs 7.23 crore. On the occasion, he also laid the foundation stones for 15 development projects worth a total of Rs 108.84 crore.
Among the major projects is the upgradation of a 13.60-km stretch of State Highway-70 from Satrah Meel to the Nanak Sagar section, at an estimated cost of Rs 34.44 crore.
The Chief Minister also announced that the Haldighera gaushala would be expanded in the future as per requirements, enabling more stray and abandoned cattle to receive safe and dignified shelter.
Dhami described the facility as an important initiative for the protection and welfare of stray cattle. He said providing shelter to cattle that roam on roads would ensure better care while also providing relief to farmers and local residents. It would also help reduce the possibility of road accidents caused by stray cattle.
The Chief Minister said cows hold a special place in Indian culture and that protecting them is not only a tradition but also a duty and responsibility. He said Uttarakhand, known as Devbhoomi, has a long tradition of cow protection and service.
According to Dhami, more than 16,000 stray cattle are currently being provided safe shelter through gaushalas across the state. The Gramya Gau Sevak Yojana has also been launched as a pilot project. In collaboration with the Urban Development and Panchayati Raj departments, land has been identified at 63 locations across Uttarakhand for the construction of gaushalas.
The government is also working to integrate cattle protection with the rural economy, he said. Special growth centres have been established to promote pure ghee and dairy products derived from the Badri cow.
Dhami said several initiatives were being undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the preservation of the country's culture and traditions as well as the promotion of livestock.
He said the state government was committed not only to development and public welfare but also to protecting Uttarakhand's cultural heritage and traditions.
Referring to Khatima and the wider Udham Singh Nagar district, the Chief Minister said continuous efforts were being made to strengthen roads, bridges, education infrastructure, flood protection measures and other basic infrastructure.
He emphasised that completing development projects within stipulated timelines and maintaining quality standards remained a priority for the state government.
