Lucknow: To make cow shelters self-sufficient and promote cow protection, the Go Sewa Ayog has proposed developing select shelters for hosting social functions, including marriages.“This would allow shelters to be developed as a centre of rural social activities and promote cow tourism,” said commission chairperson Shyam Bihari Gupta.He added that the model of cow tourism will not be uniform.“In some places, folk culture and traditions may become the main attraction, while in others it could be local cuisine, art, crafts or rural lifestyle. In this way, different regions could develop their own distinct models of cow tourism,” he said.The pattern will be replicated in Kanha Houses and large cow protection centres. Gupta said cow shelters will be connected with the region’s culture and tradition, establishing them as centres that will introduce people to rural life.Activities suited to each region will be developed to connect visitors with village lifestyles, animal husbandry and local traditions.“Once cow-tourism develops, its scope will not remain confined to the cow shelter premises, but new opportunities will also emerge for nearby villagers, self-help groups, local artisans, traders and those in the food business. As footfall increases, demand for local products and services is likely to grow,” he said.
