The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday announced a plan to explore “cow tourism” in the state. As part of this, it aims to make cow shelters “self-reliant” by establishing “one ideal cow shelter” in every district as a “tourist attraction”. While the government has been taking steps to make gaushalas financially sustainable, it has now decided to explore the possibility of developing them as “tourist attractions” so they can generate additional income as well as employment. Officials said the state would also promote commercial use of cow-based products like dung, urine, milk, and ghee. The government also plans to engage women self-help groups in producing and marketing cow dung-based items at the local level. In a statement, UP Livestock and Dairy Development Minister Dharampal Singh said for Diwali, the government has decided to launch a large-scale campaign to promote lamps made from manure and other eco-friendly decorative items. Mukesh Meshram, Principal Secretary of Livestock and Dairy Development, said officials have been directed to prepare local-level plans for the commercial use of cow dung and urine in cow shelters. He added that the initiative aims to strengthen cow protection efforts in Uttar Pradesh while also promoting indigenous industries and livelihoods through cow-based products. In response to the widespread problem of stray cattle, the government has assisted in the construction of cow shelters across districts in recent years. However, the current challenge lies in making these shelters self-sufficient, alongside the ongoing government support for cattle upkeep. Officials said the idea is to connect production of cow-based products with tourist attractions to generate additional income.
