Khatima: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated a brand‑new gaushala at Haldighera, Khatima, on Thursday. The facility, built at a cost of ₹7.23 crore, is designed to house stray cattle and provide them with proper care.

During the same ceremony, Dhami laid foundation stones for fifteen additional development schemes that together total an estimated investment of ₹108.84 crore.

Key projects on the agenda

Among the announced initiatives is the upgradation of a 13.60‑km stretch of State Highway‑70, running from Satrah Meel to the Nanak Sagar division. The highway revamp has been allocated ₹34.44 crore and aims to improve road safety and connectivity.

Future expansion of the gaushala

The chief minister indicated that the Haldighera gaushala will be expanded as demand grows, allowing more stray cattle to be accommodated. He emphasized that the shelter will help protect wandering cattle, reduce road‑related accidents, and ease the burden on farmers and local residents.

“Cattle protection is woven into Uttarakhand’s cultural fabric. It is both a social duty and a heritage responsibility,” Dhami said.

He added that the state government is continuously strengthening mechanisms for the welfare of stray cattle.

State‑wide cattle‑care network

According to Dhami, more than 16,000 stray cattle are already under shelter in gaushalas across Uttarakhand. The pilot Gramya Gau Sevak Yojana has been launched, and land at 63 sites has been earmarked for new gaushalas, with support from the Urban Development and Panchayati Raj departments.

The administration is also linking cattle‑protection efforts with rural livelihoods. Special growth centres have been set up to market pure ghee and dairy products derived from Badri cow milk.

Broader infrastructure push

Dhami highlighted ongoing national‑level initiatives to safeguard India’s cultural traditions while bolstering the livestock sector. He reaffirmed the state’s focus on infrastructure and public‑welfare projects throughout Khatima and Udham Singh Nagar, including roads, bridges, schools, and flood‑mitigation works.

“Delivering these projects on time and to the highest quality standards remains our top priority,” the chief minister concluded.