Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai lays foundation for state’s first cow sanctuary, renames all centres as “Surabhi Gaudham” to strengthen cattle protection and rural economy
TFP Bureau, Raipur/Bilaspur, March 14,2026: The Chhattisgarh government on Saturday launched its ambitious Gaudham Yojana aimed at strengthening cattle conservation and providing safe shelter to stray and abandoned cattle across the state. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated the scheme during a programme in Bilaspur district and also launched several Gaudham facilities as part of the initiative.
In the first phase of the programme, operations of 29 Gaudhams have begun across 11 districts of the state. The Chief Minister also inaugurated a Gaudham facility at Lakhassar village in the Takhatpur development block of Bilaspur district, marking a key step in the implementation of the scheme.
During the event, the Chief Minister worshipped Gau Mata and inspected the Gaudham premises to review the arrangements for the care of cattle. He examined facilities related to fodder supply, drinking water, veterinary services and the grazing land developed for animals.
The Gaudham at Lakhassar village has been developed on nearly 25 acres of land, of which about 19 acres are dedicated to the cultivation of green fodder for cattle. The facility is being managed by the Kamdhenu Gaushala Samiti and has been designed to provide proper shelter and care to stray and destitute cattle.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sai said the Gaudham Yojana aims to ensure systematic care for stray cattle while strengthening livestock conservation and the rural economy. He said cattle have always played an important role in Chhattisgarh’s rural culture, agricultural system and village economy.
“Cow holds an important place in Indian culture, faith and the rural economy. Through this scheme, safe shelter will be provided to stray and abandoned cattle while promoting cattle protection and cow service,” he said.
The Chief Minister announced that all Gaudham centres established on government land in the state will now be known as “Surabhi Gaudham”. The initiative will be implemented in phases, with the government planning to establish several such centres across development blocks in the coming years.
First cow sanctuary planned in Bilaspur district
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for the state’s first cow sanctuary at Jogipur village in the Kota development block of Bilaspur district. The proposed sanctuary will be developed over approximately 184 acres of land.
The state government has sanctioned ₹1.32 crore in the first phase for the project. Once completed, the sanctuary will have the capacity to shelter and care for around 2,500 cattle at a time.
Officials said the sanctuary will provide a safe environment for stray and abandoned cattle and strengthen the state’s livestock management system.
Training and employment opportunities
Chief Minister Sai said the Gaudham centres will also function as training hubs for rural livelihood activities. Training programmes will be organised on animal husbandry, green fodder cultivation and the preparation of useful products from cow dung.
These initiatives are expected to create self-employment opportunities for local residents while promoting sustainable rural livelihoods. The Chief Minister added that the scheme would also help reduce road accidents caused by stray cattle by providing them with secure shelter.
He further said the state government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Dairy Development Board to promote animal husbandry and milk production in Chhattisgarh. As part of this initiative, the distribution of cows has already begun in several districts and is helping boost milk production.
Development works announced for Lakhassar village
During the programme, the Chief Minister also announced several development projects for Lakhassar village. These include the construction of a Mahtari Sadan, a mini stadium and a 500-metre-long Gaurav Path.
An amount of ₹25 lakh has also been sanctioned for constructing a training building at the Lakhassar Gaudham. In addition, one cow catcher vehicle and one animal ambulance will be provided to strengthen cattle protection efforts in the area.
The Chief Minister also interacted with cattle rearers and villagers and reviewed ongoing efforts related to cattle conservation. He appreciated the contributions of individuals and organisations engaged in Gau Seva and encouraged them to continue their work with dedication.
Ministers highlight importance of cattle protection
Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu said the launch of the Gaudham Yojana marks an important step toward protecting cattle and preserving cultural traditions linked to rural life.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Minister Ramvichar Netam described the day as historic for Chhattisgarh, noting that Gaudhams are being launched simultaneously across the state. He said the government plans to establish around 10 Gaudhams in every development block in a phased manner.
Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Gauseva Commission Visheshar Patel said the initiative will provide a new direction to cattle conservation in the state.
Several public representatives and officials were present at the programme, including MLAs Amar Agrawal, Dharamlal Kaushik, Dharamjit Singh and Sushant Shukla. Senior administrative officers and a large number of farmers, cattle rearers and local residents also attended the event.
