Managing Trustee of Bhopal Samast Mahajan Girish Shah visited the historical and inspirational Kamdhenu Cow Sanctuary, Salaria in Madhya Pradesh. During this, he held detailed discussions with the management and workers of the sanctuary and stressed the need to develop it not just as a cow protection centre, but as a national model of rural development, natural farming, environmental conservation and compassionate economy for India. Expressing special gratitude to the Government of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shah said that it is a very commendable and far-sighted step by the State Government to provide 1537 acres of land for this project and provision of 71 assistance per day per livestock. He said that with proper long-term planning and scientific approach, this project can find an important place among the best cow-based development models in the country.

Girish Shah suggested that scientific desilting and interlinking of all natural waterways, ponds and water harvesting sites be done by preparing a contour map of the entire area so that the water of the upcoming monsoon can be conserved to the maximum. He said that large-scale rainwater harvesting can ensure sustainable water security for thousands of bovines in the future.

He suggested to plant at least 10,000 indigenous trees in the sanctuary premises, including trees like Banyan, Peepal, Neem, Tamarind, Mango, Jamun and Audumbar. According to him, these trees will play an important role in groundwater conservation, biodiversity, temperature regulation and natural environment creation.

Shri Shah also suggested to develop this place in the form of rural tourism, agriculture tourism and cow tourism. He said that children and youth can be brought here and connected to Indian village culture, natural farming and cow-based lifestyle. For this, world-class children’s parks, nature education centres and activities should be developed. He suggested that cow dung and urine should be provided free of cost to the farmers in the vicinity and exchange arrangements like cow dung in lieu of grass should be encouraged. This will strengthen natural farming and develop sustainable rural economy among gaushalas and farmers. In addition, initiatives such as veterinary research, solar energy, biogas, women self-help groups, farmer training centres, volunteer participation and CSR support were also highlighted as important for the long-term development of the project. In conclusion, Shri Girish Shah said that Kamdhenu Cow Sanctuary has immense potential and can become a living example in future where cow service, environment conservation, water conservation, natural farming and rural economy together pave the way for sustainable and compassionate development of India.