The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has initiated a rigorous campaign to clear the city's roads of stray cattle, issuing a stern final warning to dairy operators. The civic body has declared that any dairy owner found leaving their animals on public streets will now face the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) and substantial penalties.
Strict Enforcement After Ignored Warnings
Launching the drive on Monday, Mayor Raj Rani Malhotra emphasized that the repeated advisories to dairy operators have been largely ignored, forcing the corporation to adopt a stricter stance. "Leaving animals in public places poses a threat to public safety," Mayor Malhotra stated. She was joined by MLA Mukesh Sharma, who directed officials to intensify the crackdown and ensure no laxity is shown in its execution.
The campaign comes months after ULB Minister Vipul Goel, in August, had set a 15-day deadline to resolve the stray cattle issue in Gurgaon. He had instructed the MCG to act swiftly, removing cattle from roads and sending them to cow shelters. However, officials acknowledge the problem persists, primarily due to dairy owners continuing to let their animals roam free for grazing.
Residents Voice Frustration Over Persistent Danger
For citizens, the stray cattle menace is a daily hazard. Rajesh Gera, a resident of Surya Vihar, described the situation as increasingly dangerous, compelling him to file numerous complaints. "Over the past six months, I have submitted at least 10 complaints through platforms like the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) app and MCG's social media channels," Gera revealed.
He pointed out a critical flaw in the system: poor timing of MCG's response teams. "While MCG teams do respond, they often arrive after the cattle have moved on. Cows roam here early in the morning. MCG teams often arrive only in the afternoon," Gera added. This delay renders many complaints ineffective.
Commuter Prachi echoed the sentiment of fear and inconvenience. "We can't walk to local markets as cows take over roads, and there is always the fear they may turn aggressive. It should not be so tough for the authorities to resolve this," she said.
Path Forward: Shelters and Public Collaboration
The MCG manages two cow shelters in the city where captured stray cattle are relocated. Officials now express hope that a collaborative effort between the administration and the public will finally bring relief to long-plagued neighborhoods.
The corporation has been urging residents to actively report cattle on roads by calling the dedicated helpline at 1800-180-1817. The success of this latest drive hinges on consistent enforcement against negligent dairy owners and a more prompt response mechanism to public complaints.
