The Odisha government has decided to establish gaushalas (cow shelters) along national highways to curb accidents caused by stray animals and improve road safety.
Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik said the initiative follows a high‑level meeting chaired by Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, which discussed measures to remove stray animals from highways and ensure their rehabilitation.
“The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Transport Department, NHAI, and our department. We discussed the issue of stray animals on highways and ways to prevent loss of life,” Mallik stated.
Under the proposal, gaushalas will be set up at intervals of 100–150 km along major highways. Stray cattle found on the roads will be shifted to these shelters, managed by the Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department. Social organisations may be entrusted with maintenance, while expenses will be borne by the department.
Local police officials, including SPs and IICs, will assist in removing stray animals from highways. The move is also expected to help curb cattle smuggling and reduce animal‑related accidents.
Mallik added that the government is preparing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to implement the plan swiftly. “We are finalising guidelines for immediate execution. The matter will be discussed in the next meeting,” he said.
The initiative aims to ensure safer travel, protect animals, and strengthen Odisha’s road safety framework across national highways.
