Panchkula (Haryana) [India], November 10 : Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday marked Gopashtami, a festival to honour cows, extending his wishes to the people of Haryana, especially cow herders.
Visiting a cow shelter, or Nandishala, in Panchkula, Saini underlined the importance of cow protection, a priority for his government in recent years."These festivals are deeply connected to our culture and values," he said.
"Following the grand festival of Diwali, we celebrate Chhath Puja, and today we mark the holy festival of Gopashtami. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the people of Haryana, especially to all cow herders, on this occasion," the CM said.
Reflecting on Haryana's efforts to safeguard stray and abandoned cows, Saini noted that the number of shelters has grown substantially in the past decade.
"In 2014, there were about 180 gaushalas (cow shelters) in Haryana. Over the last decade, the number of gaushalas and nandishalas has risen to over 650, with strong infrastructure improvements. Efforts have been accelerated to bring stray and abandoned cattle to these shelters," he added.
Saini also urged the public to protect cows and prevent abandonment. "I want to appeal to everyone: since cows are sacred to us, please do not leave them abandoned. We have introduced several schemes to ensure their safety," he said.
He explained that the government now provides monthly support amounts of Rs 300, Rs 600, or Rs 800 for abandoned calves in shelters, along with daily fodder support of Rs 10, Rs 20, or Rs 25. Previously, grants for gaushalas were limited, but the state has recently approved a budget of Rs 400 crore to bolster cow protection efforts.
Highlighting further efforts to make gaushalas self-sufficient, Saini mentioned government initiatives to install biogas and solar plants in these shelters.
"To make gaushalas self-sufficient, the government has initiated strong measures such as installing biogas and solar plants. I am confident that through this ongoing campaign, within the coming months, we will no longer see stray cows on the roads; they will all be safely sheltered in gaushalas and nandishalas," he said.
Speaking to reporters, Saini thanked both government and community members who have supported cow protection efforts. "This mission is being supported not only by the government but also by devoted members of our society, who have deep faith in cow protection and are contributing greatly to this cause," he said.
"While the government provides support, it is society's active participation that sustains these efforts, and I commend everyone dedicated to the protection and well-being of cows," he added.