Illegal dairies: Behind the slow takeover of Delhi roads by cattle

Delhi’s Growing Cattle Conundrum: A Threat to Safety and Urban Order

Once a rare sight confined to the city’s outskirts, stray cattle have become a pervasive presence
across Delhi, posing a significant threat to residents and disrupting traffic flow. This alarming
trend has culminated in recent tragedies, with two fatalities reported in the past fortnight alone –
a man attacked by a cow and another killed in a motorcycle collision.

The root of the problem lies in the proliferation of illegal dairies scattered throughout Delhi.
These dairies, refusing to relocate to designated areas, abandon their cattle after milking them,
leaving the animals to scavenge for food on roadsides and garbage dumps. This not only
endangers motorists at night, especially on poorly lit roads, but also creates public health
concerns as cattle ingest plastic waste.

Despite civic agencies claiming to remove 10,000 stray cattle annually, the impact remains
negligible. Residents and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) across various districts – Lodhi

Colony, Sarojini Nagar, Vasant Vihar, Kalkaji, Ghazipur – report persistent problems with stray
cattle, despite numerous complaints.

The situation Is further compounded by a lack of coordination between agencies and insufficient
infrastructure. Three out of four designated cow shelters (gaushalas) are already at capacity,
limiting the space available for captured cattle. Furthermore, a lack of clear responsibility exists
between the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC),
and the Delhi government’s animal husbandry department.

The consequences of this inaction are stark. Residents in areas like Lodhi Colony, a prominent
art district, express dismay at the presence of stray cattle. Tourists, too, are surprised to encounter such a hazard in the heart of the capital. Similarly, illegal dairies in Sarojini Nagar leave cattle unattended in poorly lit streets, jeopardizing pedestrian safety. This alarming trend extends to south Delhi localities like Vasant Vihar and Greater Kailash, where residents report sightings of cattle roaming arterial roads, posing a traffic hazard.

The situation in east Delhi is particularly worrying. Herds of cattle often wander onto the high-
speed Delhi-Meerut Expressway, creating a dangerous situation for motorists. Residents suspect some dairies are deliberately allowing cattle to graze on public land, further adding to the
problem.

The crux of the Issue lies not just in stray cattle but in the irresponsible practices of some cattle
owners. While MCD spends large sums annually on addressing the problem, the lack of a
comprehensive strategy renders these efforts ineffective. The high number of stray cattle-related
accidents highlights the urgency for a multi-pronged approach.

Possible solutions include:

A crackdown on illegal dairies with stricter enforcement and relocation to designated areas.
Increased cow shelter capacity and improved management practices at existing gaushalas.
Implementing a cattle tagging system for identification and owner accountability.
Strengthening border control to limit the influx of cattle from other states.
Increased penalties for abandoning cattle.
Effective inter-agency collaboration is crucial to address the root causes and ensure a sustainable
solution. Additionally, raising public awareness about the dangers posed by stray cattle and
responsible cattle ownership is necessary.

Unless these measures are implemented swiftly, Delhi’s residents will continue to be at the
mercy of this growing cattle menace. A comprehensive and coordinated approach is essential to
restore order to the city’s streets and ensure the safety of its citizens.

This not only
endangers motorists at night, especially on poorly lit roads, but also creates public health
concerns as cattle ingest plastic waste. The high number of stray cattle-related
accidents highlights the urgency for a multi-pronged approach. It is a threat to safety and urban order.