LUCKNOW, April 26 -- Amid rising temperatures and heatwave conditions, the Yogi Adityanath-led government has directed officials to implement urgent and comprehensive measures to protect cattle in cow shelters across Uttar Pradesh. The animal husbandry department has made it mandatory for all shelters to install water misting systems, coolers, fans and ensure adequate shaded spaces to shield animals from extreme heat. Continuous supply of clean drinking water has also been emphasised as a critical requirement. Officials have been instructed to carry out regular inspections and closely monitor arrangements to prevent any lapses that could endanger animal welfare. To tackle a possible fodder shortage, the government has rolled out a parallel strategy focusing on ensuring adequate availability of green fodder and straw. According to additional chief secretary (animal husbandry) Mukesh Meshram, a special drive has been launched to remove encroachments from pasture land and promote the sowing of hybrid Napier grass to ensure long-term fodder availability. The government is also encouraging plantation of shade trees within shelter premises. Several districts, including Jaunpur, Azamgarh, Baghpat, Saharanpur and Hardoi, have already strengthened heat mitigation infrastructure. Meanwhile, a straw donation campaign has gained momentum, with districts such as Maharajganj, Jaunpur, Ballia, Varanasi, Etah, Saharanpur, Shahjahanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Chitrakoot and Gorakhpur emerging as frontrunners. The state has urged other districts to step up participation to ensure adequate fodder supply for cattle during summer months. htc...