Raipur: The Chhattisgarh government has set an ambitious target to establish 1,460 “Godham” (cow shelters) across the state under its cow protection and stray cattle management initiative. However, the scheme is facing significant delays due to slow land allocation processes in several districts.
The initiative is aimed at addressing the growing problem of stray cattle on roads, which has been affecting traffic management and contributing to road accidents across the state.
Each Development Block to Have 10 Godhams
As part of the plan, the state government has proposed setting up 10 Godhams in every development block. The initiative is designed to provide structured shelter, feeding, and care for abandoned and stray cattle.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai formally launched 29 Godhams from Bilaspur on March 14. Despite this, several key districts including Raipur, Bilaspur, and Raigarh are still struggling to identify and allocate suitable land for the facilities.
Land Shortage Slows Implementation in Key Districts
One of the biggest challenges facing the scheme is the unavailability of adequate land. Officials report that many districts are unable to provide the minimum required land for setting up Godhams, which has slowed down the expansion process.
According to guidelines, each Godham requires:
- Minimum 1 acre of land
- Up to 5 acres for expanded facilities
The land requirement is also linked with fodder development and cattle care infrastructure.
Stray Cattle Issue Raises Safety Concerns
The issue of stray cattle roaming on roads has become a major public safety concern in Chhattisgarh. These animals are increasingly obstructing traffic flow and causing accidents.
Recently, the Chhattisgarh High Court also expressed concern over the issue and questioned the state government on why stray cattle continue to be seen on roads despite existing arrangements.
The court’s remarks have added urgency to the implementation of the Godham scheme.
Financial Assistance for Fodder and Maintenance
The government has announced financial support to ensure proper maintenance and fodder development within Godhams.
Key provisions include:
Fodder Development Support
- ₹47,000 per acre per year for fodder development
- Up to ₹2.35 lakh per year for 5 acres of land
Per Animal Maintenance Support
- Year 1: ₹10 per animal per day
- Year 2: ₹20 per animal per day
- Year 3: ₹30 per animal per day
- Year 4: ₹35 per animal per day
Each Godham is designed to accommodate around 200 cattle.
Staff Salaries Fixed for Operational Management
To ensure proper management of shelters, the government has also fixed monthly remuneration for staff:
- ₹10,916 per month for general workers
- ₹13,126 per month for animal caretakers (paricharak)
These personnel are responsible for feeding, care, and maintenance of cattle within the shelters.
Objective: Structured Cow Protection and Rural Support System
The Godham scheme is part of a broader effort by the Chhattisgarh government to create a structured system for stray cattle management while supporting rural agriculture and road safety.
The initiative aims to:
- Reduce stray cattle on roads
- Improve traffic safety
- Provide organized shelter and care for abandoned cattle
- Support fodder cultivation at local level
While the Chhattisgarh government’s plan to establish 1,460 Godhams is a major step toward addressing stray cattle issues, implementation challenges—particularly land availability—are slowing progress. With increasing legal and public pressure, faster land allocation and execution will be key to the success of the scheme.
