Govt plans to bring gaushalas on tourism map, says Mishra

On the occasion of World Environment Day, Delhi Minister of Development and Tourism Kapil Mishra visited Shri Krishna Gaushala in Sultanpur Dabas, Bawana, in the Northwest District.

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The minister, who was accompanied by Model Town MLA Ashok Goyal, environmentalists and gaushala caretakers, took part in a tree plantation drive at the cow shelter, one of the largest gaushalas in the Delhi-NCR region.

During the visit, Mishra reviewed the arrangements at the cow shelter. He held extensive discussions with the caretakers and emphasised the critical role that cows and gaushalas play in India’s cultural and environmental landscape.

“Cattle, particularly gau matas, are the backbone of environmental conservation. Gaushalas are not just centres for animal care but also symbols of our cultural and environmental heritage,” he said.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthen gaushalas, Mishra announced that the Delhi Government plans to bring gaushalas on tourism map to promote religious tourism.

He revealed that a Gau Seva Commission would soon be established to ensure structured care for stray cattle in the Capital.

To support the modernisation of gaushalas, Mishra said the Delhi Government had allocated a significant budget for the financial year 2025-26. An initial amount of Rs 10 crore has already been released to clear pending dues, with an additional Rs 11.14 crore set to follow as the next installment. All bills pending till March 2025 will be settled, and the government will also work in coordination with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to ensure smooth implementation of gaushala-related schemes.

The Minister also announced several new initiatives to make gaushalas self-reliant. These include extension of lease periods for gaushala land, Rs 20 per cow increase in assistance for cattle feed and plans to allow the sale of dairy products such as milk, ghee and paneer by gaushala operators to make the gaushalas self-sustainable.