Rekha promises transformation of Delhi’s dairies

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting with officials from the MCD, Animal Husbandry Department and representatives from authorised dairies and gaushalas to address the deteriorating condition of dairy colonies and rising stray cattle menace in the Capital.

Expressing concern over the state of dairy infrastructure and cow shelters, the Chief Minister announced a comprehensive transformation plan, including the creation of a state-of-the-art ‘model gaushala’ with a budget allocation of Rs 40 crore. The facility will be equipped with modern amenities for cow protection, veterinary care and dairy management.

“This is not just an infrastructure issue, it’s a moral one. Animals and people who rear them deserve dignity and support. The problem of stray cattle stems from years of neglect and hollow assurances by the previous government,” she said.

Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra, who was also present, said earlier administrations had “abandoned the cattle rearers,” and failed to provide even basic services in dairy zones.

During the meeting, dairy representatives highlighted that several colonies lacked essential facilities such as clean drinking water, drainage, sanitation and waste management. The Chief Minister promised to equip all authorised dairies with these basic amenities.

Slamming the previous leadership for never visiting these areas, Gupta said: “Thousands of people and animals live in inhuman conditions. The former CM didn’t even step into these colonies once.”

The new plan includes upgrading existing gaushalas, building new ones and establishing a continuous feedback mechanism with dairy operators to ensure the schemes are grounded in reality.

“Our government’s priority is to ensure that cows do not have to wander the streets, but are given proper space and care,” the Chief Minister declared.