Bhubaneswar: The state capital is set to get a major relief from the menace of stray cattle with the Odisha government announcing plans to construct a state-of-the-art gaushala at an estimated cost of ₹40 crore.
Housing & Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra made the announcement on Thursday, stating that all stray cattle roaming the city will be shifted to the upcoming facility. The process of land identification and related formalities will begin soon, he said.
The minister added that the model gaushala will not only provide shelter but will also serve as a production hub, where cow dung and urine will be processed to produce a variety of products, including medicines.
Extending the initiative beyond Bhubaneswar, the government has also planned to set up at least five gaushalas across different cities. On Swayat Sasan Divas, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had already allotted gaushalas to six municipalities.
According to the plan, a gaushala in Jaleswar will be built at an estimated cost of ₹7 crore, while similar facilities in other locations will cost around ₹5 crore each.
“These gaushalas will be equipped with all modern facilities. Our aim is to prevent accidents involving cattle and commuters by providing safe spaces through kanjia hudas and gaushalas,” said Mahapatra.
“In Bhubaneswar, we will soon lay the foundation stone for the model gaushala, which will set the benchmark for similar projects in the state,” he added.
