Khatima: On Thursday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated a brand‑new gaushala at Haldighera, Khatima, constructed at an outlay of ₹7.23 crore. The ceremony also marked the laying of foundation stones for fifteen additional projects, collectively estimated at ₹108.84 crore.
Among the flagship initiatives is the upgrade of a 13.60‑km segment of State Highway‑70, stretching from Satrah Meel to the Nanak Sagar division, for which the government has earmarked ₹34.44 crore.
Dhami announced that the Haldighera gaushala will be expanded in line with future needs, allowing it to shelter a larger number of stray cattle. He highlighted that the facility will improve the care and protection of wandering bovines, relieve farmers and local residents, and help curb road accidents caused by stray animals.
The chief minister emphasized that safeguarding cattle is deeply rooted in Uttarakhand’s cultural ethos, describing it as both a social duty and a vital element of the state’s heritage. He assured that the administration is continuously strengthening mechanisms for the welfare of stray cattle.
According to Dhami, more than 16,000 stray cattle across Uttarakhand are already being housed in existing gaushalas. The pilot Gramya Gau Sevak Yojana has been launched, and land at 63 sites has been identified for new gaushalas with assistance from the Urban Development and Panchayati Raj departments.
In parallel, the government is linking cattle protection to the rural economy. Dedicated growth centres have been set up to market pure ghee and dairy products derived from Badri cow milk, fostering local entrepreneurship.
Dhami also noted that national‑level efforts are underway to preserve India’s cultural traditions while bolstering the livestock sector. He added that the state’s focus remains on delivering infrastructure and public‑welfare projects across Khatima and Udham Singh Nagar, including roads, bridges, educational institutions, and flood‑control measures.
Ensuring that these development works are completed on schedule and to high standards continues to be a top priority for the Uttarakhand government.
