Delhi HC Urges Dedicated Helpline to Tackle Stray Cattle Menace

The Delhi High Court has directed the MCD to consider establishing a helpline for reporting stray cattle. The Delhi Traffic Police is to monitor such incidents, and a Special Task Force may be formed. These actions follow a plea highlighting the risks posed by stray cattle on roads.

The Delhi High Court has mandated the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to consider setting up a dedicated helpline for reporting stray cattle, aiming to curb the public menaces associated with them.

In a significant development, the Delhi Traffic Police have been tasked with monitoring and promptly reporting stray cattle incidents. The court also urged the Delhi Government to consider forming a Special Task Force to coordinate effective action, as observed in a plea by a Meetha Pur resident.

Justice Sanjeev Narula highlighted the need for a unified approach. "The MCD must consider establishing dedicated helplines for reporting stray cattle to facilitate prompt action and community engagement," he said. The court emphasized the importance of community involvement, urging the MCD to raise awareness about keeping cattle off the streets and identifying illegal dairies.

This petition, moved by advocate Satish Sharma, outlined the hazards posed by stray cattle during daily commutes and underscored how insufficient responses from authorities have exacerbated risks. The High Court noted significant concerns about negligent dairy farm owners whose cattle disrupt traffic and pose accident risks.

The bench acknowledged efforts by respondent authorities, including disconnecting utilities to illegal dairies and sealing such establishments, but deemed them insufficient. Reports submitted indicated coordination between the Delhi Police and MCD. Several illegal dairies were sealed, and structures demolished in areas like Jaitpur, Meethapur, and Badarpur to mitigate the issue.

Despite these measures, the persistent problem underscores the need for more robust action. "Stray cattle on roads are a significant public safety hazard that requires urgent and serious attention," the court asserted. The Delhi Government, MCD, and other agencies were urged to ensure regular monitoring, community engagement, and stricter enforcement of regulations against errant dairy owners.

(With inputs from agencies.)