Dehradun, Oct. 23 -- Uttarakhand government is constructing 54 cow shelters across the state as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure the protection and proper care of stray cattle. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the initiative reflects the government's commitment to promoting animal welfare and strengthening the state's cow protection infrastructure. Dhami said this after offering prayers for Uttarakhand's prosperity and public welfare during Govardhan Puja, worshipping the cow at the cowshed located at his official residence on Wednesday. Speaking on the occasion, Dhami said that Govardhan Puja symbolises harmony between humans and nature, as well as the bond of affection between people and animals. "This festival reminds us to remain sensitive to our traditions, culture, and environment," he said. Dhami said the state government is encouraging the establishment of both government and private cow shelters to accommodate stray and abandoned cattle. To support private participation, a provision of 60 per cent subsidy has been made for the construction of private cow shelters, he added. The Chief Minister informed that the daily maintenance grant for cattle housed in these shelters has been increased significantly, from Rs.5 per animal to Rs.80 per animal per day, to improve the quality of care and feed provided to the animals. Emphasising the religious and cultural significance of the cow, the Chief Minister said that in Hinduism, the cow holds the revered status of a mother and is an essential part of Sanatan culture and agrarian life. "Cows contribute immensely to human life. Many families depend on cattle rearing for their livelihood. Hence, cow conservation is not only a matter of faith but also of self-reliance and sustenance," he said. Dhami called upon citizens to participate collectively in the service, protection, and preservation of cows, adding that the state government has been taking several steps to promote the welfare of cattle. Highlighting key initiatives, the Chief Minister said the government has significantly increased the maintenance grant for stray cattle, from Rs.5 per animal per day to Rs.80 per animal per day, for animals housed in registered cow shelters. He added that the state is also extending a 60 per cent subsidy for the construction of private cow shelters, with around 54 shelters currently under construction across Uttarakhand. Reaffirming his government's commitment, Dhami said that efforts toward cow protection and welfare would continue in the years to come, with policies aimed at strengthening both animal care and rural livelihoods. In a landmark judgment on cow protection, the Uttarakhand High Court on August 13, 2018, had invoked the principle of 'parens patriae', declaring the state as the legal guardian of cows. The ruling imposed strict measures to ensure the welfare and preservation of cattle across Uttarakhand. The court had directed that no person in the state could slaughter any cow, bull, bullock, heifer, or calf, nor export them for slaughter, whether directly or through agents. It also prohibited the sale of beef or any beef-based products in any form throughout Uttarakhand. Authorities were instructed to construct gaushalas or cow shelters to house cow progeny and stray cattle. In addition, the court mandated that cases must be registered against anyone abandoning cows after milking them, and that no government veterinary officer or doctor could refuse treatment to stray cattle brought before them by authorities or citizens. The ruling further required chief engineers of all national and state highways to ensure that stray cattle, including cows and oxen, do not enter roads, safeguarding both animals and commuters....