In a major initiative to protect indigenous cattle and resolve the growing problem of stray animals on highways, the Haryana Government has announced the establishment of several new cow sanctuaries (Gau Abhayaranyas) across the state. This move aims to provide a natural habitat for cattle while ensuring the safety of commuters and farmers.
Strategic Expansion According to the report by The Tribune, the state plans to utilize vacant panchayat lands and forest areas to build these large-scale sanctuaries.
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District-wise Development: The first phase will focus on districts with the highest concentration of stray cattle, including Hisar, Sirsa, and Bhiwani.
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Modern Facilities: These sanctuaries will not just be shelters but will feature modern amenities such as biogas plants, solar lighting, and organic fertilizer production units to make them self-sustainable.
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Veterinary Care: Each sanctuary will have a dedicated team of veterinary doctors and paramedics to provide round-the-clock medical care for the animals.
Addressing the Stray Cattle Menace The government’s decision comes in response to increasing reports of road accidents caused by stray cattle on national and state highways. “These sanctuaries will serve a dual purpose—protecting the holy cow and making our roads safer for citizens. We are allocating specific funds to ensure these facilities are world-class,” a senior official from the Haryana Gau Seva Aayog stated.
Budget and Community Participation The state has set aside a dedicated budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year for this project. Additionally, the government is encouraging CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) funding from industries and donations from the public. Social organizations and local NGOs will also be roped in to manage the day-to-day operations of these sanctuaries to ensure transparency and proper care.
