Cattle Tagging and Dog Vaccination Drive Announced in Himachal; Over 3,500 Arrested in Drug Crackdown
Shimla, August 27, 2025:
Himachal Pradesh's Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister, Chandra Kumar, announced in the state assembly that a comprehensive cattle tagging initiative and an extensive dog vaccination drive will be launched across the state. These measures aim to address the issue of stray and aggressive animals. All relevant departments have been directed to comply with Supreme Court guidelines.
The minister shared that the state has 260 cow shelters (Gausadans), including 15 government-run and 245 private shelters. These shelters are currently housing 21,380 stray cattle. The monthly allowance for maintaining each animal has been increased to ₹1200.
Through the Gopal Yojana and support from the Cow Service Commission, the government has released over ₹105 crore so far. Additionally, a ₹2.50 per liquor bottle cess is being collected to fund cattle welfare.
Major Action Against Drug Abuse: 3,507 Arrests in Two Years
In a written reply, the Chief Minister stated that from August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2025, 3,507 individuals were arrested in drug (chitta) related cases in the state. Additionally, properties of 50 accused have been seized during this period.
The state cabinet granted approval for a pilot project on cannabis cultivation on January 24, 2025. The Agriculture Department has been appointed as the nodal agency, and two universities — CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, and Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni (Solan) — will conduct research. Further action will be taken based on their reports.
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