GORAKHPUR, March 8 -- The cattle shelter network in Gorakhpur has expanded significantly with a total of 34 cow shelters having been established across the district with a combined capacity of around 5,000 cattle, said officials. At present, nearly 4,500 stray cattle are being sheltered at these facilities, where arrangements for fodder, drinking water and medical care have been ensured as per the cow protection mission of chief minister Yogi Adityanath. Chief veterinary officer Dr Dharmendra Pandey, on Saturday, said that under the scheme, the government provides financial assistance for the upkeep of the animals, while beneficiary families also receive nutritional support through milk production. Officials said the initiative aims not only to provide safe shelter to stray cattle but also to support economically weaker families by handing over milch cattle to them. Dr Pandey further said that to strengthen the initiative, a major cow protection centre, Kanha Upvan, is being developed at Tal Nador on the Gorakhpur-Varanasi highway at an estimated cost of Rs.28.94 crore. The facility will be the largest cattle shelter in the district, with a capacity to house around 2,000 destitute cattle. Dr Pandey added the upcoming complex will have cow, calf and birthing sheds, an administrative block, fodder storage and a veterinary dispensary, with a pond in front. Under the chief minister destitute cattle participation scheme, 250 cattle were given to families, who receive Rs.50 per cattle daily (Rs.1,500 monthly)htc...