30 March 2026, New Delhi.
In a major step towards strengthening animal welfare and ensuring better care for stray cattle in the national capital, the Delhi Government has announced a comprehensive package of financial and infrastructural support for gaushalas. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, during an event held at the Chief Minister’s Jan Seva Sadan, distributed lease extension certificates and financial assistance to gaushala representatives, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the protection, care, and welfare of cows. The initiative is aimed at addressing long-standing financial issues while also modernising facilities to improve living conditions for stray cattle.
The government released a total of ₹20.26 crore under this initiative. This includes ₹7.64 crore towards clearing pending liabilities for the period from June 2024 to March 2025, and ₹12.62 crore for fodder expenses from April 2025 to January 2026. Alongside financial assistance, long-pending licenses and lease agreements of four major gaushalas have been renewed, ensuring uninterrupted operations and improved service delivery.
Support for Existing Gaushalas and Infrastructure
The beneficiaries of this initiative include gaushalas located in Sultanpur Dabas, Rewla Khanpur, Harewali, and Surhera, which operate under the Animal Husbandry Unit of the Delhi Government. These facilities play a crucial role in providing shelter, food, and medical care to stray cattle rescued by local civic bodies.
During the event, orders related to fodder payments, clearance of dues, and renewal of licenses were formally handed over to the gaushala representatives. The government also extended support for setting up modern biogas infrastructure within these facilities. This step is expected to promote clean energy generation through the use of cow dung, contributing to improved sanitation and environmental sustainability while reducing operational costs.
Plan for Modern Gaushalas
Addressing the gathering, Rekha Gupta highlighted the government’s broader vision for developing modern gaushalas in the capital. She stated that in the first phase, 10 modern gaushalas will be developed with improved infrastructure, better veterinary services, and enhanced facilities for cattle care.
The Chief Minister further informed that the government aims to upgrade around 40 gaushalas in the near future, creating a sustainable model that integrates animal welfare with environmental management. These modern facilities will focus not only on providing shelter but also on ensuring proper nutrition, healthcare, and hygiene for the animals.
Focus on Animal Welfare and Responsibility
Rekha Gupta emphasised that the protection of stray animals, especially abandoned cows, is a critical responsibility in a city like Delhi. She stated that gaushalas should be viewed not merely as shelters but as centres of compassion and service, where animals receive dignified care.
She also underlined the importance of addressing the issue of stray cattle on city streets by ensuring that they are safely housed and properly cared for in gaushalas. According to her, the government is committed to ensuring that no animal is left neglected and that all stray cattle are provided with a safe and secure environment.
Removal of Administrative and Financial Barriers
The Chief Minister noted that the release of pending funds and renewal of licenses reflect the government’s intention to eliminate financial and administrative challenges faced by gaushala managements. By resolving these issues, the government aims to allow gaushala operators to focus entirely on animal care without operational disruptions.
She stated that timely financial assistance will ensure regular supply of fodder, improved veterinary services, and better maintenance of facilities. The initiative is also expected to enhance transparency and efficiency in the functioning of gaushalas.
Collaborative Approach and Future Plans
Rekha Gupta stressed that effective management of gaushalas requires not only government support but also active participation from society. She called for cooperation between government agencies, gaushala managements, and citizens to ensure the welfare of animals.
Looking ahead, the government plans to introduce modern technologies in gaushalas, improve fodder management systems, and strengthen veterinary care services. The integration of sustainable practices such as biogas production is also expected to contribute to long-term environmental benefits.
The Delhi Government released ₹20.26 crore for gaushalas, extended leases, and announced plans to develop modern shelters to improve care for stray cattle.
Representatives of the gaushalas expressed appreciation for the financial support and administrative assistance provided by the government. They assured continued dedication towards the care and protection of cattle, highlighting that the initiative will significantly improve their ability to manage and maintain gaushalas effectively.
The announcement marks a significant step towards creating a structured and sustainable system for stray cattle management in Delhi, combining welfare, environmental responsibility, and modern infrastructure to ensure humane treatment of animals across the capital.
