Dehradun, January 18, 2026: The Uttarakhand government has announced a significant initiative to address the growing issue of stray cattle in rural areas, unveiling two comprehensive schemes under the supervision of the state’s Animal Husbandry Department. The schemes aim to provide shelter, food, and healthcare to stray cattle while simultaneously protecting agricultural crops from damage. Citizens who participate in these programs by providing care and shelter to stray animals can earn up to ₹12,000 per month, according to official statements.
Background and Need for the Initiative
Uttarakhand, a largely rural state with a significant agrarian population, has been grappling with the challenge of stray cattle wandering onto roads and fields. Farmers frequently face crop damage and transportation hazards due to these animals, creating a dual problem: the safety and well-being of the livestock, and the protection of human life and property. The state government has recognized the urgent need to address this issue through structured programs that incentivize citizens to take responsibility for stray animals in their villages.
Officials from the Animal Husbandry Department highlighted that these schemes are exclusively targeted at rural areas, where the presence of stray cattle is most pronounced. According to Dr. Yogesh Sharma, Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) of Pithoragarh, the objective is twofold: to ensure the well-being of stray cattle through proper shelter and veterinary care, and to minimize the crop losses and hazards caused by these animals roaming freely in farmlands and public roads.
Gram Gaur Sevak Yojana
The first of the two schemes, named Gram Gaur Sevak Yojana, is specifically designed to encourage villagers to provide care for male stray cattle. Under this program, individuals can shelter up to five male stray animals and receive a daily compensation of ₹80 per animal.
By providing shelter and care to the maximum allowed five animals, beneficiaries can earn up to ₹12,000 per month, a figure that is expected to motivate participation among rural households. In addition to financial support, the government also provides free veterinary care for the animals, ensuring that their health needs, such as vaccination, treatment of injuries, and routine checkups, are met.
Currently, according to Dr. Sharma, six people in the Pithoragarh district are already benefiting from the Gram Gaur Sevak Yojana, demonstrating early adoption and interest in the program. He emphasized that the initiative not only helps stray cattle but also indirectly benefits farmers by reducing crop damage caused by animals wandering into farmland.
The scheme also serves a social function by fostering a sense of responsibility among villagers towards animals, reinforcing cultural and ethical practices of animal care that are prevalent in Uttarakhand’s rural communities.
Gaushala Yojana
The second initiative, known as the Gaushala Yojana, is aimed at cow shelters, or gaushalas, where participants can take in stray animals without a fixed limit on numbers. Under this scheme, individuals operating cow shelters receive a daily compensation of ₹80 per animal, similar to the first program.
Dr. Sharma reported that in Pithoragarh district, there are currently two operational cow shelters, located in Munsiyariand Barave. These shelters collectively accommodate 225 stray cattle, providing them with food, shelter, and healthcare. The shelters not only serve as safe havens for animals but also help in organizing care in a more structured manner, ensuring that large numbers of strays can be managed efficiently.
The Gaushala Yojana is designed to allow for flexibility and scalability, enabling individuals with adequate resources and space to shelter a larger number of animals. The daily fee system ensures that caretakers receive a steady income based on the number of animals they manage, while the government retains oversight through regular inspections and veterinary checkups.
Objectives and Benefits of the Schemes
Both schemes aim to achieve multiple objectives simultaneously. First, they provide shelter and sustenance to stray cattle, many of which were previously left to wander the streets, exposed to hazards such as traffic accidents, lack of food, and disease. The daily financial incentives create a sustainable model that encourages rural citizens to actively participate in animal welfare initiatives.
Second, the programs aim to protect farmers’ crops from damage caused by stray animals, which has historically been a significant source of loss for agrarian communities. By removing animals from farmlands and roads and placing them in secure shelters, the schemes reduce economic damage while also enhancing safety for villagers and commuters.
Third, the programs contribute to public health and sanitation. Stray cattle often graze on garbage, livestock feed, or road debris, which can lead to the spread of disease and environmental contamination. By bringing animals under controlled care, the risk of zoonotic diseases and other hazards is minimized.
Fourth, the schemes provide employment opportunities in rural areas, both directly and indirectly. Beneficiaries of the programs earn a monthly income, while cow shelters and veterinary facilities require staff for feeding, cleaning, and medical care. These initiatives can contribute to the local rural economy while promoting social welfare.
Implementation and Oversight
Dr. Sharma explained that the Animal Husbandry Department is responsible for the implementation and monitoring of both schemes. Regular inspections ensure that the cattle are being properly cared for, that shelters are adequately maintained, and that funds are disbursed correctly. Veterinary teams periodically check the health of the animals, administer vaccinations, and treat injuries or illnesses.
The department is also working to raise awareness among villagers, encouraging them to participate and explaining the procedures for registering animals and receiving payments. Officials hope that the programs will eventually expand to cover additional districts and include more participants as awareness grows.
Community and Environmental Impact
The schemes are expected to have a long-term positive impact on both the rural community and the environment. By providing structured care for stray cattle, the government is reducing the strain on public spaces and farmland, promoting safer and cleaner villages. For the animals, it ensures protection from neglect and abuse, allowing them to live in hygienic, secure, and medically supervised conditions.
The cultural significance of cows and stray cattle in Uttarakhand, where they are traditionally revered, adds an additional layer of social benefit to these initiatives. By institutionalizing care through state-supported schemes, the government is combining traditional respect for animals with modern administrative support.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While the schemes have been positively received, officials acknowledge potential challenges. These include ensuring timely payments to beneficiaries, maintaining veterinary services in remote areas, and preventing misuse of funds. Additionally, scaling the programs to cover larger populations of stray cattle across the state will require coordination with local panchayats, NGOs, and animal welfare organizations.
Dr. Sharma remains optimistic about the programs’ future. He noted that as awareness spreads, more villagers and cow shelters are expected to enroll, providing a comprehensive and humane solution to the stray cattle problem. The financial incentives, combined with veterinary support, create a model that could potentially be replicated in other states facing similar challenges.
Conclusion
With the launch of the Gram Gaur Sevak Yojana and Gaushala Yojana, Uttarakhand has taken a proactive step towards addressing the dual challenges of stray cattle management and rural livelihood support. By offering up to ₹12,000 per month to individuals who provide care and shelter to animals, the state is incentivizing citizens to take responsibility for stray cattle while simultaneously protecting crops and improving rural safety.
The schemes reflect a holistic approach, combining animal welfare, public safety, environmental hygiene, and rural employment. If successfully implemented and expanded, these programs could serve as a model for other states in India struggling with stray cattle issues, demonstrating that structured government support can harmonize the interests of farmers, rural communities, and animals alike.
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