November 23rd 2023.
The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has taken up an ambitious mission: to tackle the growing threat of stray cattle in the city. As part of this endeavour, 809 cattle have been apprehended and 409 of their owners have been fined an amount totaling ₹5.75 lakh.
The SMC has also implemented a novel approach — implanting radio-frequency identification chips on the cattle to track their movements. This proactive initiative was spurred by the Gujarat High Court's stern warning regarding the hazards of stray cattle in urban areas, including impeded vehicular traffic, accidents, and health risks.
However, the SMC's efforts have not been welcomed by the local residents. There have been reports of public dissent and resistance during the confiscation of animals, prompting the authorities to deploy police forces. Even those fined have voiced their anger at the corporation. This problem is not isolated to Surat, but is pervasive throughout the state with no definitive solution from either the government or the courts.
The underlying issue of the cattle conundrum is rooted in changing legislation. States like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana have implemented stringent laws against cow slaughter, which has made it difficult for farmers to dispose of non-productive cattle. Selling unproductive cows to butchers is now out of the question, leaving farmers with no choice but to abandon them. As a result, these animals are forced to forage for food in urban areas, often eating plastic and hazardous materials.
To effectively protect cows, a paradigm shift is essential. Punitive measures such as fines and ID chips are not enough; the government must take proactive steps to address the root cause of the problem. Providing shelters for non-productive cattle is an important step in this direction. Only through such humane interventions can cities be shielded from the menace of stray cattle, while also ensuring the welfare of these animals. The current approach falls short of achieving this goal, necessitating a more comprehensive and sustainable approach for harmonious coexistence.
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