Khatima: On Thursday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated a brand‑new gaushala at Haldighera, Khatima, constructed at an outlay of ₹7.23 crore. The ceremony also saw the laying of foundation stones for 15 upcoming projects estimated to cost a combined ₹108.84 crore.
Among the flagship schemes is the upgrade of a 13.60‑km stretch of State Highway‑70 between Satrah Meel and the Nanak Sagar division, for which ₹34.44 crore has been earmarked.
The chief minister disclosed plans to enlarge the Haldighera gaushala in line with future demand, enabling it to shelter a larger number of stray cattle. He emphasized that the facility will improve the care and safety of cattle that wander onto roads, while also easing the burden on farmers and local residents. Moreover, the initiative is expected to lower the likelihood of road‑traffic accidents caused by stray livestock.
Dhami highlighted that protecting cattle is deeply rooted in Uttarakhand’s cultural ethos, describing it as both a social duty and a treasured part of the state’s heritage. He assured that the government is persistently strengthening systems for the welfare and protection of stray cattle.
According to the CM, more than 16,000 stray cattle are currently housed in gaushalas across the state. The pilot Gramya Gau Sevak Yojana has been launched, and land at 63 sites has been earmarked for new gaushala constructions in collaboration with the Urban Development and Panchayati Raj departments.
The administration is also linking cattle protection with rural livelihoods. Dedicated growth centres have been set up to promote the production of pure ghee and dairy items derived from Badri cow milk.
Dhami added that national‑level initiatives are underway to safeguard India’s cultural traditions while bolstering the livestock sector. He reiterated the state’s focus on expanding infrastructure and public‑welfare projects across Khatima and Udham Singh Nagar, encompassing roads, bridges, educational institutions, and flood‑control measures.
Ensuring that these development works are completed on schedule without compromising quality remains a top priority for the Uttarakhand government.
