Surat Municipal Corporation Takes Firm Measures Against Stray Cattle Menace

Surat : The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has embarked on a stringent crackdown on the owners of stray cattle found roaming the bustling streets of the diamond city, following stern directives from the Gujarat High Court. Concerns about the hazards posed by wandering cattle to pedestrians and commuters prompted this decisive action.

In a swift response to the escalating issue, the SMC’s cattle squad conducted extensive operations, capturing approximately 809 stray cattle that had been roaming unattended on the city’s thoroughfares. These measures were implemented to curb the risks posed to public safety due to the unrestrained presence of cattle on busy roads.

As a consequence of this crackdown, the SMC has amassed revenue amounting to Rs 5.75 lakh by levying fines on the owners of 409 cattle found abandoned or inadequately supervised on Surat’s streets. This move aims to hold cattle owners accountable for the negligence contributing to the stray cattle predicament.

The gravity of the situation prompted the Gujarat High Court to adopt a stringent stance against the proliferation of stray cattle not only in Surat but across the state. In adherence to the court’s directives, the SMC intensified its efforts by implementing a new cattle policy, prioritizing the installation of Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) chips in cattle.

Of an estimated population of over 56,000 cattle within the city limits, the SMC has successfully equipped 52,000 cattle with RFID chips. This technology facilitates efficient tracking and management of cattle, ensuring better oversight and control over their movements.

Striving to conclude this comprehensive operation promptly, the SMC aims to complete the installation of RFID chips in all eligible cattle by the month’s end, significantly enhancing their monitoring capabilities.

However, amid these efforts, the SMC faced challenges, notably an increase in confrontations between herdsmen and the SMC’s cattle squad personnel. In response to the rising conflicts, the Surat police have extended security measures, deploying teams to accompany and safeguard the cattle squad during their operations to corral stray cattle from the city roads.

The joint efforts between the SMC’s cattle squad and police teams underscore a concerted approach to mitigate the stray cattle menace in Surat, prioritizing public safety and addressing the risks posed by unattended livestock on the city’s streets.