Gaudham Yojana launched in Chhattisgarh for Cattle Conservation

Key facts

• Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai launched the Gaudham Yojana for cattle conservation at Guru Ghasidas University in Bilaspur.
• In the first phase of the scheme, 29 Gaudhams (cattle conservation centres) have commenced operations across 11 districts of the state.
• The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the state’s first cow sanctuary at Jogipur village in the Kota development block of Bilaspur district.
• The proposed cow sanctuary will be developed over 184 acres with an initial approved budget of ₹1.32 crore and a capacity to shelter 2,500 cattle.
• All Gaudhams established on government lands in Chhattisgarh will be officially known as Surabhi Gaudham.
• The state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to promote animal husbandry and milk production.
• The scheme aims to provide shelter to stray cattle, boost the rural economy through cow dung products, and reduce cattle deaths in road accidents.