Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government plans to set up gaushalas along national highways to reduce accidents involving stray animals.
Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallick said the government will prepare a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the plan.
A meeting chaired by Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena discussed ways to remove stray animals from highways and provide them proper shelter.
The government has proposed setting up gaushalas at intervals of around 100 to 150 km along national highways. Stray cattle found on roads will be moved to these shelters and cared for by the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department.
Social organisations may help manage the shelters. The department will bear the expenses.
Police officials will also be asked to assist in removing stray animals from highways.
The move aims to improve road safety, prevent animal-related accidents and help curb cattle smuggling.