Khatima: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated a brand‑new gaushala at Haldighera on Thursday, a facility built at an outlay of ₹7.23 crore. The ceremony also marked the laying of foundation stones for 15 development schemes worth a combined ₹108.84 crore.
Key projects on the agenda
The most prominent undertaking is the upgrade of a 13.60‑km stretch of State Highway‑70 from Satrah Meel to the Nanak Sagar division, earmarked with ₹34.44 crore to improve connectivity and safety.
Future expansion of the gaushala
Dhami announced that the Haldighera gaushala will be enlarged as demand grows, allowing more stray cattle to be housed. The shelter is expected to curtail road accidents involving wandering cattle, while providing relief to farmers and local residents.
"Cattle protection is woven into Uttarakhand’s cultural fabric; it is both a social duty and a heritage asset," the Chief Minister said.
Statewide efforts for stray cattle
According to Dhami, over 16,000 stray cattle are currently accommodated in gaushalas across Uttarakhand. A pilot Gramya Gau Sevak Yojana has been launched, and land at 63 sites has been identified for new gaushalas in partnership with the Urban Development and Panchayati Raj departments.
Linking livestock welfare to rural prosperity
The government is tying cattle protection to the rural economy by setting up special growth centres that promote pure ghee and dairy products made from Badri cow milk.
Broader development push in Khatima and Udham Singh Nagar
Beyond livestock, the administration is accelerating infrastructure work—roads, bridges, schools, and flood‑mitigation structures—to ensure balanced growth across the district.
Completing these projects on schedule, without compromising quality, remains a top priority for the state government.
