Raipur. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai today launched a significant initiative towards the conservation of cattle wealth in the state by inaugurating the ‘Gaudham’ (Cattle Shelter) located in Lakhasar village, within the Takhatpur development block of Bilaspur district. On this occasion, after performing a traditional worship ceremony for ‘Gomata’ (Mother Cow), he toured the Gaudham premises to assess the facilities and arrangements in place.
Chief Minister Sai inspected the arrangements for the care, fodder, water, and health of the destitute and stray animals sheltered at the Gaudham; he also took a tour of the grazing pastures. Notably, the Gaudham in Lakhasar village has been developed across an area of approximately 25 acres, 19 acres of which are currently being utilized for cultivating green fodder for the animals. The Gaudham is being managed by the Kamdhenu Gaushala Committee.
Chief Minister Sai stated that the objective of the Gaudham Scheme, being initiated by the state government, is to provide safe shelter to destitute cattle across the state, promote their conservation, and strengthen the rural economy. He emphasized that cattle wealth serves as a vital foundation for our rural culture, agricultural system, and economy; therefore, the state government is making continuous efforts for its conservation and enhancement.
Chief Minister Sai announced that the state government is implementing the Gaudham Scheme across the state in a phased manner to ensure the conservation of cattle wealth and the care of destitute animals. This initiative, he noted, will not only reinforce the tradition of ‘Gauseva’ (service to cows) but also boost overall livestock conservation efforts. On this occasion, he declared that henceforth, all Gaudhams within the state would be known by the name “Surabhi Gaudham.” Chief Minister Sai further stated that various training programs would be conducted at these Gaudhams throughout the state. Training will be provided in animal husbandry, green fodder production, and the creation of useful products from cow dung. This initiative will not only facilitate ‘Gauseva’ but also generate self-employment opportunities for local residents, thereby strengthening the rural economy.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also made several significant announcements regarding the development of Lakhasar village. He announced the construction of a ‘Mahtari Sadan’ (Women’s Community Center), a mini-stadium, and a 500-meter-long ‘Gaurav Path’ (Pride Road) in Lakhasar. In addition, an announcement was made regarding the sanctioning of ₹25 lakh for the construction of a training center at the Lakhasar Gaudham, as well as the provision of a “cow-catcher” vehicle and an animal ambulance; these measures are expected to further bolster cow conservation and local development initiatives in the region.
During the program, Chief Minister Sai interacted with local livestock farmers and villagers, inquiring about the ongoing efforts for the conservation of cattle wealth (Gaudhan) and commending those engaged in this service-oriented work. Congratulating the volunteers involved in cow service (Gauseva) on their noble endeavor, he urged them to continue their service activities with the same dedication in the future and inspired everyone to contribute towards the conservation of cattle wealth and the service of cows.
Takhathpur MLA Dharamjit Singh stated that, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Chhattisgarh is witnessing comprehensive, all-round development. He remarked that the Chief Minister invariably fulfills every promise he makes. He further noted that Chief Minister Sai has sanctioned numerous significant development projects for the Takhathpur region; of these, several have already been completed, while many others are currently in progress. Expressing his gratitude to the Chief Minister for these initiatives, he observed that the government’s efforts have imparted a new momentum to development within the region.
Delivering the welcome address, Visheshwar Patel, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Cow Service Commission (Gauseva Aayog), extended a warm welcome to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and expressed his gratitude for the launch of the Gaudham scheme. He stated that this initiative by the state government would provide a new direction to the conservation of cattle wealth and significantly strengthen efforts to protect destitute and abandoned cattle.
