Major step towards cattle protection: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurates 29 Gaudhams in 11 districts
Foundation stone laid for state’s first cow sanctuary at Jogipur; Gaudham Yojana to provide safe shelter to stray and abandoned cattle
State government committed to promoting cattle protection and cow service: Chief Minister Shri Sai
Raipur, March 14, 2026 /
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday launched the state government’s ambitious Gaudham Yojana at a programme held at Guru Ghasidas Central University in Bilaspur. In the first phase of the scheme, operations of 29 Gaudhams have begun across 11 districts of the state.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai also laid the foundation stone for the state’s first cow sanctuary at Jogipur village in Kota development block of Bilaspur district. He said the proposed sanctuary at Jogipur will be developed over nearly 184 acres. The state government has approved Rs 1.32 crore in the first phase for its development. Once completed, it will have the capacity to shelter and care for around 2,500 cattle at a time.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said, “Cow holds an important place in Indian culture, faith and the rural economy. Through the Gaudham Yojana, safe shelter will be provided to stray and abandoned cattle while strengthening livestock protection. State government is fully committed to promote cattle protection and cow service.”
Chief Minister said the state government has signed an MoU with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to promote animal husbandry and milk production in the state. Under this initiative, distribution of cows has also started in several districts, which is yielding positive results in boosting milk production.
“Gaudhams will ensure proper arrangements for fodder, water and care of cattle. This will also create employment opportunities at the local level. All Gaudhams established on government land in the state will now be known as “Surabhi Gaudham”, said Shri Sai. Training programmes related to animal husbandry, green fodder cultivation and preparation of useful products from cow dung will also be conducted at these centres. This will create self-employment opportunities for local people and strengthen the rural economy.
Most importantly, the scheme is also expected to reduce road accidents as stray cattle will be provided safe shelter.
Union Minister of State Shri Tokhan Sahu said the launch of the Gaudham Yojana is a pious occasion and ensuring cow safety and service is an integral part of Indian culture and tradition resulting in strengthen the rural economy.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam said it is a historic day for Chhattisgarh as the Gaudham Yojana is being launched simultaneously across the state. A total 10 Gaudhams will be established in every development block in a phased manner, which will ensure cattle protection while also creating self-employment opportunities.
Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Gauseva Commission Shri Visheshar Patel said the cow is extremely important for our existence and the state government is working with a well-planned strategy to protect cattle.
MLAs Shri Amar Agrawal, Shri Dharamlal Kaushik, Shri Dharamjeet Singh and Shri Sushant Shukla, Mayor Smt Pooja Vidhani, Bilaspur Commissioner Shri Sunil Jain, IG Shri Ramgopal Garg, Collector Shri Sanjay Agrawal, SSP Shri Rajnesh Singh, Director Veterinary Shri Chandrakant Verma, along with a large number of livestock owner and citizens, were present at the programme.
