Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat reiterated his Government’s stance that it would stop cattle smuggling and cow slaughter with a heavy hand while addressing a programme in Haridwar on Saturday. Earlier, CM arrived at Srikrishayan Gau Rakshak Deshi Gaushala and worshiped cows on the occasion of Gopashtami. He fed the cows kept there with fodder too. While addressing the gathering, CM Rawat sounded happy over the increasing number of cows being cared for at the gaushala. Besides, CM laid foundation stone of a road that would link the village Gaindikhata and Banjara Basti with Srikrishayan Gaushala. He also inaugurated thermal plant for gaumutra ark in the gaushala.
While dwelling on the exalted position the cows are given in the Hindu tradition, CM said that the cows are revered as mother. He also spoke of the stories related to Srikrishayan gaushala. He asked the district magistrate Deepak Rawat to earmark land for the extension of the gaushala in view of the number of cows rising fast in Srikrishanayan Gaushala. He said that the gaushala being located near a river, land is eroding due to the current in the river. Safety walls must be erected to stop the erosion and to protect the cowshed, he said, adding that the unclaimed cows should be brought in the gaushala to ensure that the bovines are well looked after.
He appreciated the efforts being put up by the officers concerned, saying that caring for the cows is deemed as a pious work by the Hindu tradition.
CM added to protect cow trafficking and its killing, Cow Protection Squad has been formed in both Garhwal and Kumaon divisions. “The officers concerned must take stringent action against the cattle smugglers. We would not allow crime and ill treatment meted by to the cows under any circumstances,” he averred.
Among others present on the occasion were the former chief minister and senior BJP leader Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, cabinet minister Rekha Arya and local MlA Swami Yatishranand.