State government's big initiative for the protection of destitute cattle, Gau-dham scheme's scope is expanding
Raipur, Chhattisgarh government's ambitious Gau-dham scheme is continuously taking effective steps towards the protection and systematic management of stray and destitute livestock in the state. Accelerating the implementation of the scheme, the state government has prioritized Gram Panchayats and also included urban Gauthans in the scheme, which will enable further expansion of Gau-dhams across the state at a faster pace in the future.
The state government had approved the Gau-dham scheme to the Chhattisgarh State Gau Seva Ayog on August 6, 2025, for the management of stray and destitute livestock. Under the scheme, government land and Gauthans are selected where necessary infrastructure is available and which are located near national highways. The operation of these Gau-dhams is being carried out through voluntary organizations, registered cow shelters, NGOs, FPOs, trusts, and now, according to amended rules, through Gram Panchayats.
Fixed procedures such as recommendation from the Collector and District Level Committee, No Objection Certificate from the Panchayat, and physical verification are followed for the establishment of a Gau-dham. Thereafter, applications are sent to the Chhattisgarh State Gau Seva Ayog, where the implementation committee reviews them in detail every three months and sends proposals to the government for administrative approval. After the completion of the approval, agreement, and registration process, the management of stray cattle in the Gau-dhams is ensured through the district administration.
The Department of Animal Husbandry by amending the rules on July 30, 2026, decided to prioritize Gram Panchayats for the operation of Gau-dhams and to include urban Gauthans in the scheme. This is creating a broad base for the protection of destitute cattle in both rural and urban areas.
Out of the 408 applications received so far under the scheme, administrative approval has been granted to 151 Gau-dhams. Among these, registration of 88 Gau-dhams has been completed, and approximately 5,109 destitute livestock are being protected and managed in 42 Gau-dhams. The process of registration and operation is ongoing in the remaining approved Gau-dhams.
The State Gau Seva Ayog has clarified that there is no fixed target number of Gau-dhams set in the scheme approved by the government. However, as per the vision of the Chairman of the Gau-Seva Ayog, phased efforts are being made towards establishing approximately 1,460 Gau-dhams by selecting 10 excellent Gauthans in each development block of the state. The state government's goal is to provide safe shelter to destitute and stray cattle and to ensure their proper care. Applications are continuously being received from districts as per their needs, and action is being taken according to the rules. With the amended provisions, there is a possibility of a significant increase in the number of Gau-dhams in the state in the coming times.