Municipal Corporation of Delhi Launches Intensive Drive to Clear Stray Cattle Ahead of AI Summit
In a proactive move to ensure the safety and convenience of delegates attending the upcoming Artificial Intelligence Summit, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has constituted special teams dedicated to keeping designated stretches free of stray cattle. The summit, scheduled from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam, has prompted the civic body to implement a comprehensive strategy for urban management.
Strategic Deployment of Teams Across Four Zones
A total of 50 critical stretches have been meticulously identified and divided among four specialized teams. Each team will operate in three shifts daily, commencing from February 14 and continuing through February 20. This intensive stray cattle removal drive aims to facilitate safe and smooth traffic movement throughout the city during the high-profile event.
"Our patrolling teams are conducting multiple daily checks in these specified areas, shifting any stray cattle to MCD's designated cattle ponds before transferring them to gaushalas," explained an official from the veterinary department. The initiative underscores the city's commitment to presenting a well-organized and hazard-free environment for international visitors.
Comprehensive Coverage of Key Areas and Landmarks
The areas targeted for clearance span across four major zones, encompassing vital roads and landmarks likely to be frequented by summit delegates. In the Central zone, the focus includes Mahatma Gandhi Road from South Extension to Sarai Kale Khan, Mathura Road, Lodhi Road, Oberoi flyover, Central Market, Nehru Place, Kalkaji temple, Nizamuddin Dargah, Defence Colony market, Humayun's Tomb, and India Habitat Centre.
The Najafgarh zone covers NH-8, the stretch from IGI Airport to Dhaula Kuan Ring Road, Sector 21 Dwarka near Vivanta by Taj, Radisson Blu, Aerocity-Mahipalpur, Radisson Blu Plaza, and Sector 10 Dwarka near Welcome by ITC. These locations are crucial due to their proximity to hospitality and transit hubs.
South zone areas include Ring Road from South Extension to Dhaula Kuan, Aurobindo Marg, MB Road, Greater Kailash I and II, PVR Priya, Sheraton New Delhi Hotel, Hyatt Regency Delhi, Qutub Minar, and PVR Anupam. The City-Sadar Paharganj zone encompasses Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, BSZ Marg, Dr Zakir Hussain Marg, Chandni Chowk, Red Fort, Tilak Marg, Rajghat, Bhairon Marg, and Purana Qila.
Stringent Directives and Additional Measures
A circular issued by the MDC explicitly states that "the areas and roads connected to locations where delegates will stay and places likely to be visited" are the primary focus. All zonal deputy directors of the veterinary department have been instructed to deploy vehicles along with drivers and specialized cattle-catching staff. To ensure uninterrupted operations, no leave will be sanctioned for personnel during this critical period.
In addition to the cattle clearance efforts, parallel initiatives are underway to keep the summit venues free of stray dogs, further enhancing the safety and aesthetic appeal of the city. This multi-faceted approach highlights the MCD's dedication to urban cleanliness and public safety, setting a precedent for future large-scale events in the national capital.
