The stray cattle issue in Uttar Pradesh has sparked anger and become a major election concern during the last Assembly polls. In response, the central government plans to establish a sanctuary for 5,000 cows in Muzaffarnagar as a pilot project. Once the project is operational, it will be replicated in all districts of the state. The Uttar Pradesh government has already allotted 52 hectares in Muzaffarnagar district for the sanctuary, and the Union Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries has sanctioned Rs 63 crore for its construction. The sanctuary, which will be run by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), will be equipped with modern facilities for biogas and cow dung-based fertilizers, as well as assisted reproductive technology and incinerators for animal carcasses.

Acknowledging the widespread anger among farmers over the stray cattle problem, Union Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, and Dairying Sanjeev Balyan stated, “We have promised a solution to the stray cattle problem. It’s a serious issue, not just for Uttar Pradesh but for all of north India.” The Bharatiya Kisan Union has also called for an indefinite protest against the government’s alleged failure in handling the stray cattle menace.

To address the funding for the project, the ministry has collaborated with 500 gram panchayats and set up a committee to collect donations. The government is also seeking funds from small agri-related firms and sugarcane factory owners, making it a government-private participation project.

The issue of stray cattle causing distress among farmers has become a significant election concern ahead of the 2022 polls. With reports that the issue was hurting electoral prospects, Prime Minister Modi had promised to introduce a policy to deal with the issue. Chief Minister Adityanath had also promised a solution. However, in the absence of any steps since the BJP returned to power, pressure has been building up, prompting the government to take action.

The cow sanctuary in Muzaffarnagar will also be developed as a “picnic spot” to encourage public participation. Chief Minister Adityanath stated that the government has initiated three schemes to tackle the stray cattle issue, including building cowsheds for stray cattle in every district, providing cattle to farmers, and providing malnourished families with milch cows. These initiatives are currently in operation.