Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai chaired a high-level meeting at Mahanadi Bhawan to address the issue of stray animals on roadways. The primary focus was to ensure effective measures to prevent these animals from causing traffic disruptions and accidents. He stressed that tackling this problem requires a concerted effort from multiple departments.
He directed the Animal Husbandry Development, Urban Administration and Development, Panchayat and Rural Development, and Public Works departments to coordinate their efforts. The Chief Minister acknowledged the seriousness of the situation in both urban and rural areas and warned against any delays in implementing solutions. The meeting also included a detailed assessment of the existing infrastructure for managing stray animals, such as gaushalas, gauthans, and cow-catchers. Discussions revolved around their functionality, current capacity, and possibilities for improvement.
CM Sai emphasized the need for developing effective animal management models specifically for villages located near national highways. He pointed out that animals on highways are a major cause of traffic delays and fatal accidents, making urgent action essential. The meeting further reviewed road accident incidents and the involvement of stray animals. Proposals concerning Godhan Vikas were also discussed, with an emphasis on establishing a comprehensive strategy for the care, feeding, and relocation of abandoned cattle. The role and potential expansion of cow-catchers in urban areas were also reviewed to manage animals on city streets. The Secretary of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Development Department provided a comprehensive overview of the current status of gaushalas, gauthans, and animal husbandry schemes across the state.