Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday directed officials to ensure strict control over the movement of stray cattle on roads across Chhattisgarh. Chairing a high-level meeting at Mantralaya Mahanadi Bhawan, he said unattended livestock has become a major cause of road accidents, and called for swift, concrete and coordinated action by all concerned departments.
CM Sai instructed the departments of Animal Husbandry, Urban Administration and Development, Panchayat and Rural Development, and Public Works to work in close coordination and share responsibilities effectively. “This is a serious issue affecting both urban and rural areas. Any form of negligence in addressing it will not be tolerated,” he asserted.
During the review, the Chief Minister sought detailed information on existing infrastructure such as gaushalas, gothans, kanji houses and cow-catcher vehicles across the state. He also discussed their current operational status, capacity, and the need for upgrades.
Highlighting the rising risks on highways, CM Sai directed officials to develop practical models for managing livestock in villages located along national highways. “Stray cattle on highways not only disrupt traffic but often lead to fatal accidents. Immediate and focused action is imperative,” he said.
The meeting included a review of road accident data and the role of stray animals in such incidents. Deliberations were also held on proposals related to ‘Godhan’ development. The CM emphasized the need for planned strategies to ensure proper care, fodder availability, and rehabilitation of stray and abandoned cattle. The operational efficiency and coverage of cow-catcher vehicles in urban areas were also discussed.
Livestock Development Department Secretary Smt. Shahla Nigar made a detailed presentation on the status of gothans, gaushalas, and ongoing livestock development and conservation schemes across the state.
The meeting was attended by Chhattisgarh State Gau Seva Commission Chairman Shri Vishesar Singh Patel, Chief Secretary Shri Amitabh Jain, Principal Secretary to CM Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of Panchayat and Rural Development Department Smt. Niharika Barik Singh, CM’s Secretaries Shri P. Dayanand and Shri Rahul Bhagat, Secretary of Urban Administration and Development and CM’s Secretary Dr. Basavaraju S., Secretary of Public Works Department Dr. Kamalpreet Singh, and other senior departmental officials.