Indore: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Kamdhenu Gaushala at Ashapura village in Indore district, developed at an estimated cost of ₹24 crore with a capacity to accommodate 10,000 cattle.
The Chief Minister also performed Govardhan Puja at the facility and felicitated cattle rearers selected under the Gopal Krishna Gram Award Scheme.
During the programme, Yadav announced an additional ₹5 crore for setting up a CNG gas plant and developing other essential facilities at the gaushala. He said the state government would provide further resources if required for the proper management and care of the cattle.
The facility has been developed through public participation, contributions from donors and government funding.
Kamdhenu Gaushala Spread Across 26 Hectares
Developed across approximately 26.041 hectares, the Kamdhenu Gaushala has been designed to provide shelter and care for up to 10,000 cattle. Operations have initially begun with 550 cattle.
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The project has received financial contributions from several sources. Social worker Vinod Agrawal contributed ₹6 crore through corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding, while Nitin Agrawal contributed ₹2.5 crore. Additional funding came from public contributions and government allocations.
The major facilities developed at the gaushala include:
- Four large cattle sheds: Each measuring 200 × 80 feet.
- Open enclosures: Constructed through Smart City initiatives, covering an area of 200 × 160 feet at an estimated cost of ₹3.5 crore.
- Separate medical ward: For the treatment and care of sick cattle.
- Feeding and drinking-water facilities: Troughs and water tanks have been installed in the sheds and open enclosures.
- Water infrastructure: The Indore Municipal Corporation has constructed a 2-lakh-litre-capacity sump well, while an overhead water tank is also being developed with public contributions.
- Other infrastructure: Boundary walls, internal roads and additional basic facilities.
The Public Assets Management Department has also approved ₹73.18 lakh for a fodder storage facility and ₹171.90 lakh for an administrative office and approach road. These works are being implemented by the Indore Municipal Corporation.
Government Doubles Daily Assistance for Gaushalas
Addressing the gathering, Yadav said the state government was providing financial assistance to approximately 3,200 gaushalas housing more than 5.61 lakh cattle.
He highlighted that the daily assistance provided for each cattle had been increased from ₹20 to ₹40.
The Chief Minister said the government’s efforts were not limited to developing large gaushalas but also included encouraging cattle rearing at the village and neighbourhood levels.
He referred to the Gopal Krishna Gram Yojana, under which Vrindavan Gram settlements are being developed and competitions organised to recognise and encourage cattle rearers. The programme also places emphasis on the conservation and promotion of indigenous cattle breeds.
Yadav said the government was working towards ensuring that cattle were not left abandoned on roads. He added that arrangements were being developed to provide better shelter, healthcare and nutrition.
Bhopal and Jabalpur to Get Large Gaushalas
The Chief Minister also outlined plans to develop large cattle shelters in other major cities of Madhya Pradesh.
He referred to the gaushala at Lal Tipara in Gwalior, which has a capacity of approximately 10,000 cattle, and said similar arrangements were being developed in Indore.
According to Yadav, gaushalas with capacities of 10,000 cattle each would also be developed in Bhopal and Jabalpur.
He stressed that the management of cattle shelters should include proper arrangements for housing, medical treatment and feeding, particularly for sick and elderly animals.
12 Cattle Rearers Receive Awards Under Gopal Krishna Gram Scheme
During the programme, Yadav honoured 12 cattle rearers selected from four Vrindavan Gram settlements in Indore district under the Gopal Krishna Gram Award Scheme.
The awardees received cash prizes based on their rankings in the competition.
The prize distribution was as follows:
- First position: ₹1 lakh
- Second position: ₹50,000
- Third position: ₹25,000
Among the awardees, Balaram Ramchandra of Banedia received the first prize, Amit Suresh Patel secured the second position, and Rahul Hariram Chaudhary received the third prize.
The first-prize winners from the other participating villages were Alkesh Chhotelal Patel of Datoda, Dinesh Nandkishor of Rangwasa and Uday Singh Banshilal Thakur of Shivni. The second- and third-position winners from these villages were also awarded the respective cash prizes.
CM Highlights Role of Cattle in Natural Farming
Speaking about the importance of cattle conservation, Yadav said cows were closely linked to India’s agricultural system, rural economy and cultural traditions.
He highlighted the role of cattle in natural farming, stating that excessive use of chemical fertilisers had affected soil fertility and that greater attention was needed towards natural farming practices.
He also emphasised the importance of collective participation in cattle welfare, describing it as a social responsibility beyond religious considerations.
Referring to Lord Krishna’s Govardhan Leela, the Chief Minister said it conveyed messages of environmental conservation, water protection and collective responsibility towards natural resources.
He also acknowledged the contribution of saints and religious leaders in promoting cattle welfare, particularly in caring for sick, elderly and medically vulnerable animals.
The programme concluded with the Chief Minister extending greetings to the people of Madhya Pradesh on Diwali and Govardhan Puja.
