Stray Cattle menace: Delhi HC asks MCD to establish dedicated helpline for reporting stray cattle

By Dhiraj Beniwal
New Delhi [India], August 30 : The Delhi High Court in a recent order has asked the MCD to consider establishing a dedicated helpline to report the menace of stray cattles.
Delhi Traffic Police has also been directed to monitor and promptly report the incidents of stray cattle. It has asked the Delhi Government to consider the formation of a Special Task Force to coordinate action.
The High Court has passed some important directions while disposing of a plea moved by a resident of Meetha Pur, a locality in South East Delhi.
Justice Sanjeev Narula said, "The MCD must consider establishing dedicated helplines for reporting stray cattle. This will facilitate prompt action and engagement with the community in monitoring and reporting incidents."
"Additionally, Respondent Deputy Commissioner (Traffic) is directed to monitor and promptly report the incidents of stray cattle," Justice Narula said in an order passed on August 24.
The High Court further said that the Delhi government is urged to consider the formation of a special task force comprising representatives from the MCD, Delhi Police, and other relevant agencies. " This task force will coordinate actions, share resources, and ensure a unified approach to dealing with the issue of stray cattle," the High Court said.
"MCD must engage with the public to raise awareness about the importance of keeping cattle off the streets. Community involvement is crucial in identifying and reporting illegal dairies and stray cattle hotspots," Justice Narula emphasized.
These directions have been passed in a petition moved by one Satish Sharma who is an advocate in Saket District court.
He stated that he repeatedly observed and reported the hazard posed by stray cattle on his daily commute. The Petitioner contended that despite numerous complaints to the authorities there has been negligible action to mitigate these dangers, which not only disrupt traffic but also pose serious risks to public safety.
The High Court noted that Significant concerns about dairy farm owners who negligently allow their cattle to roam freely on roads and highways has been raised.
This practice not only leads to traffic disruptions but also increases the risk of accidents, as vividly illustrated by an incident narrated by the Petitioner. This issue requires urgent and sustained attention from the concerned authorities to ensure road safety and public welfare, the High court said.
The respondent authorities acknowledged the issue, stating that efforts were being made to curtail this menace. Initiatives include disconnecting utility services to illegal dairies--a primary cause for stray cattle.
"However, these measures are insufficient in addressing the root cause of the problem," the bench had said. They had submitted status reports detailing their actions, such as the sealing of illegal dairies and coordination with utility services to enforce compliance. The status report in terms of order dated 7th December, 2023 was also filed.
The reports indicated that the Delhi Police has liaised with MCD to promptly address sightings of stray animals. MCD took actions, including the disconnection of utility services to illegal dairies and coordination with local police to enforce compliance.
In recent months, several illegal dairies have been sealed, and structures on public land have been demolished to mitigate the issue, the reports said. Further, the Court was informed that in the month of September 2023, six illegal dairies have been sealed in the area of Jaitpur, Meethapur, and Badarpur and seven illegal dairy structures existing on public land have been demolished in the area.
In February and March 2024, two illegal dairies were sealed in Sangam Vihar and the adjoining area, in a joint action taken by the authorities. Counsel assures that the MCD would continue taking action on a regular basis against stray cattle in the areas falling in the jurisdiction of the central zone, New Delhi.
The High Court said that these steps are commendable, the persistent issue of stray cattle indicates a need for more robust and coordinated action.
"The ongoing problem of stray cattle on roads is not merely an inconvenience but a significant public safety hazard that affects the daily lives of thousands of commuters. The authorities must treat this issue with the urgency and seriousness it deserves."
It further said, " While individual actions against illegal dairies are necessary, they are not sufficient to solve the problem comprehensively. There is a need for an approach that includes regular monitoring, community engagement, and stricter enforcement of regulations against errant dairy owners and a solution for stray cattle."
Advocate Sameer Vasisht appeared for Delhi Government, Advocate Siddharth Panda represented the MCD . Advocate Mumtaz Ali represented petitioner Satish Sharma.