In an aggressive response to the growing problem of stray cattle causing accidents in the state, the Gujarat Government has issued stringent guidelines to govern the management of stray cattle in both municipal and metropolitan areas. This decision comes on the heels of a strong reprimand by the Gujarat High Court on July 11, targeting the government and Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation over the prevailing conditions of bad roads and loose cattle in Ahmedabad city.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has consequently approved the cattle control policy with necessary amendments, resulting in the new guidelines that necessitate registration of stray cattle in the relevant areas. Unregistered cattle will now be subject to confiscation.
Confiscation of Unregistered Cattle
Taking a hardline stance against cattle owners who disregard regulations, the state government has made it obligatory for every metropolitan municipality and municipal area to register cattle. This includes the mandatory tagging of animals and payment of a fixed fee for permission. Additionally, the guidelines prohibit selling and feeding grass on public roads. Unregistered cattle caught wandering on the roads will be confiscated.
Enforcement of Public Safety Measures
These strict measures come in response to a grim statistic - numerous lives have been lost due to stray cattle within the state. The government order released on Thursday emphasized the uncompromised adherence to these guidelines not only within the metropolitan areas but also within municipal boundaries. It further directs cattle owners to disclose the number of cattle in their possession and mandates registration and tagging.
In an attempt to enhance public safety, the guidelines also enforce a ban on selling and feeding hay on public roads, thus aiming to reduce the risk of accidents caused by stray cattle. The local authorities are now responsible for implementing these new regulations, and citizens are expecting a visible change in the state's public safety standards.
