Bhubaneswar, Sept 11: Odisha Housing & Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra on Thursday unveiled plans to build a state-of-the-art ‘Model Gaushala’ in Bhubaneswar.

As per reports, it will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 40 crore, aiming to provide significant relief from the problem of stray cattle.

Mohapatra stated that the process of land identification and other necessary formalities would begin shortly and all stray cattle in the city would be relocated to the upcoming facility.

He further highlighted that the ‘Model Gaushala’ will not only offer shelter but also function as a production hub, where cow dung and urine will be processed to create a range of products, including medicines.

Expanding the initiative beyond Bhubaneswar, the government plans to establish at least five more gaushalas in various cities. On Swayat Sasan Divas, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had already allocated gaushalas to six municipalities, said Mohapatra.

As per the plan, a gaushala in Jaleswar will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 7 crore, while similar facilities in other locations are expected to cost around Rs 5 crore each.

Mohapatra stated that the gaushalas will be equipped with all modern facilities. He emphasized that the goal is to prevent accidents involving cattle and commuters.

He also mentioned that the foundation stone for the ‘Model Gaushala’ in Bhubaneswar would soon be laid, setting a benchmark for similar projects across the state.