Prayagraj Division Implements Comprehensive Stray Cattle Management Program
Prayagraj has initiated a major campaign to clear its roads of stray cattle while simultaneously ensuring their safe shelter and proper care. The district currently stands as the regional leader, with an impressive 36,673 cows housed across 130 dedicated shelters.
Expansion of Shelter Infrastructure Across Districts
In fact, cow shelters are being systematically established in each district within the division, providing essential fodder, water, and medical care to the animals. Dr. Anil Kumar, the additional director of animal husbandry for the Prayagraj division, revealed that a total of 79,350 stray cattle are currently sheltered across 346 cow shelters in the division, which includes the 130 facilities in Prayagraj itself.
Similarly, significant infrastructure development is underway in neighboring districts. Pratapgarh district is setting up 77 cow shelters, closely followed by Kaushambi with 76 shelters and Fatehpur with 63 shelters. These combined efforts are housing approximately 42,667 cattle. Dr. Kumar emphasized that concrete steps have been initiated to ensure that no cattle are seen wandering on public roads, addressing both safety and welfare concerns.
Financial Incentives and Farmer Engagement
Beyond shelter construction, the government is actively handing over stray cows to farmers and cattle rearers. To promote responsible animal husbandry and reduce the stray population, the government provides financial assistance of Rs 1,500 per month per cattle to these rearers. This initiative not only supports livelihoods but also integrates stray animals back into productive agricultural systems.
Dr. Kumar stressed that merely constructing shelters does not fulfill the government's responsibility to protect cattle. Therefore, a robust system has been drafted for regular monitoring and round-the-clock surveillance of all sheltered animals, ensuring their ongoing welfare.
Digital Monitoring and Advanced Surveillance Systems
Dr. Kumar explained that control rooms for digital monitoring have been established at 324 cow shelters across the Prayagraj division. Advanced night-vision CCTV cameras are installed at key locations: 121 cow shelters in Prayagraj, 63 in Fatehpur, 64 in Pratapgarh, and 76 in Kaushambi. These technological measures place all shelters under continuous 24x7 surveillance, enhancing security and oversight.
This comprehensive effort has led to the systematic development of high-quality facilities, including:
- Proper cattle sheds for shelter
- Clean food and drinking water supplies
- Efficient drainage systems
- Straw storage facilities for fodder
- Dedicated treatment rooms for medical care
- Reliable lighting and solar lighting solutions
Government Commitment to Cattle Welfare
The Yogi government is continuously making concerted efforts to protect and promote the welfare of stray cattle throughout the state. This multi-faceted approach combines infrastructure development, financial support, farmer engagement, and cutting-edge technology to create a sustainable model for stray cattle management. The program not only addresses immediate public safety issues but also fosters a culture of compassion and responsibility towards animal welfare in urban and rural settings alike.
