Stray Cows: Addressing Challenges and Solutions
Stray cows in India pose risks to public safety, health, and cleanliness; rooted in cultural reverence, the issue demands urgent government intervention.
Stray cows in India have become a growing concern, affecting public safety, health, and cleanliness across urban and rural areas. Due to the cultural reverence for cows, these animals are often left to roam freely through streets and highways, leading to various challenges. This issue requires urgent attention from the government at both central and state levels.
In this article, the author delves into the dangers posed by stray cows, the increase in related accidents, the relevant laws, PM Modi's stance, Maharashtra’s declaration of the Cow Rajyamata, and the potential benefits of creating Goshalas to manage the issue effectively.
Dangers of Stray Cows
India has more than five million stray cows, and their presence on roads and urban areas has increased accidents and public health concerns. Accidents involving stray cows have become alarmingly frequent in states such as Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and others. The Jabalpur High Court in Madhya Pradesh has taken a firm stand regarding the increasing number of accidents caused by stray cattle on highways.
Expressing frustration over the situation, the court questioned why highways are becoming grazing grounds for cattle. It has issued notices to the state government, the Principal Secretary of the Public Works Department (PWD), the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC), and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), demanding explanations within four weeks. The court's move reflects growing concerns about the failure to manage stray cattle, which poses serious risks to public safety. (11th September 2024)
According to the Punjab Gau Sewa Commission (PGSC), a person loses their life every third day in the state due to accidents involving stray cows roaming on roads (April 2017).
According to data provided by the Punjab government, more than 400 people across the country lost their lives in road accidents caused by stray cattle between 2014 and 2018. This highlights the urgent need for improved management of stray cows to prevent further accidents and fatalities.
According to official data, between 2018 and 2020, more than 1,300 people died in accidents caused by stray animals, with Uttar Pradesh alone reporting 162 fatalities in 2020.
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According to the 2019 Livestock Census, Uttar Pradesh recorded a population of 11.84 lakh stray cattle. This number has likely grown in the years since the census was conducted. The state also had a total cattle population exceeding 1.90 crore, which included 62,04,304 milch cows and 23,36,151 dry cows.
The Yogi Adityanath government of Uttar Pradesh has proposed to spend over Rs 647 crore in the 2019-20 budget on the maintenance of cow-shelters in the state.
In the annual budget presented by Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Rajesh Agarwal, a sum of ₹247.60 crore was allocated specifically for the maintenance and upkeep of cow shelters in rural areas. This allocation underscores the state's efforts to address the issue of stray cattle and improve shelter facilities for unproductive and abandoned cows, which has become a growing concern in the region.
These stray cows not only disrupt traffic but also feed on garbage, which often contains plastic, leading to severe health issues for the cows themselves. Reports have shown that cows ingesting plastic suffer from internal injuries, malnutrition, and even death.
Additionally, diseases like Brucellosis and lumpy skin disease have been linked to stray cattle, further highlighting the urgent need for solutions.
PM Modi’s Stand on Cow Protection
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has acknowledged the importance of addressing the issue of stray cows. In his speeches, he has supported measures to protect cows, which are considered sacred in Hinduism, while also emphasizing the need to manage the growing population of stray cattle
During the harvest festival celebration (14th January 2024), PM Modi emphasized the importance of protecting India’s indigenous cow breeds. He highlighted that by caring for these breeds, India could achieve sustainable self-sufficiency in the dairy sector. His message underlined the need for long-term strategies to preserve and promote local cattle varieties, which play a crucial role in both agriculture and the dairy industry.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced the arrival of a new addition to his household on Lok Kalyan Marg in Delhi — a healthy calf, born to a cow already residing at the premises. This announcement highlights Modi’s connection to India’s agricultural traditions and the reverence for cows in Indian culture, further emphasizing the importance of nurturing and protecting indigenous breeds. PM Modi has named the calf ‘Deepjyoti,’ symbolizing light and brightness (14th September 2024).
While we appreciate Prime Minister Modi's efforts in caring for cows, there is still much more to be done to address the widespread issue of stray cows. A well-structured plan is needed to not only solve this problem but also to create employment opportunities for people in sectors beyond just literate jobs. By implementing policies that promote the development of Goshalas and related industries, we can provide livelihoods for a broader section of society, ensuring both economic growth and animal welfare.
Maharashtra Cow Rajyamata Initiative
The Maharashtra government has officially conferred the title of ‘Rajyamata-Gomata’ to indigenous cow breeds in the state, a historic decision made on September 30, 2024. This is the first time such an honorary status has been given to any creature by the state. As part of the initiative, the government will provide ₹50 per day to Goshalas for the care and upkeep of these cows.
While the move aims to honour indigenous cow breeds and support their conservation, it has also faced criticism. Critics argue that merely granting a title and offering monetary aid to Goshalas is insufficient to address the larger problem of stray cows and the economic burden they place on communities.
The Need for Goshalas in Open Spaces
One solution to the stray cow problem is the establishment of Goshalas (cow shelters) in open spaces across the country. Goshalas provide a sanctuary for unproductive and abandoned cows, ensuring their well-being while keeping them off the streets. Currently, there are over 5,000 Goshalas in India, but these are insufficient to house the growing population of stray cows.
The government should focus on converting unused land into Goshalas, which can also generate employment opportunities for local communities.
Government Policies and Employment Opportunities
The creation of Goshalas in open spaces not only addresses the issue of stray cows but also provides employment opportunities. By investing in cow shelters, the government can engage local communities in managing these facilities, offering jobs related to cow care, milk production, and other cow-derived products. The government should leverage the potential of cows to create employment opportunities, turning the care and management of these animals into a robust government-supported sector.
Additionally, by incorporating scientific and sustainable methods for utilizing cow products, including dairy, biogas, and organic fertilizers, the government could foster a new sector that is both economically and environmentally beneficial.
Additionally, the government should consider declaring certain public areas as dedicated cow sanctuaries, which could be maintained by the local Panchayats under the Eleventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution
Cow Milk in India and Its Significance
According to production data from the Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical Database, India is the world's largest producer of milk, and cow milk plays a crucial role in the country’s agricultural economy. However, the unchecked growth of stray cows, especially male calves that are abandoned after being deemed unproductive, affects milk production.
By better managing stray cattle and improving shelter conditions, India can ensure that healthy cows continue to contribute to milk production, bolstering the economy.
Cows Eating Plastic: A Sacred Dilemma
Despite being revered as "Mata" (Mother) in Indian culture, stray cows often face a tragic fate by consuming plastic waste. This ironic situation underscores the need for better waste management practices and public awareness campaigns. Government intervention is necessary to ensure that urban areas are free from harmful waste, protecting both cows and human residents
What the Government Can Do: Laws and Gaps in Implementation
India has several laws aimed at protecting cows and managing stray cattle. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, mandates the provision of food, water, and shelter for animals, and abandoning animals is a punishable offence. Abandoning animals should not be criminalized; instead, alternative solutions should be developed to provide care and shelter for such animals. Laws should include provisions for allocating designated parks or areas where abandoned cows can be safely housed and cared for.
However, the implementation of these laws is inconsistent across states. Some states, like Uttar Pradesh, have introduced "cow protection cess" to fund shelters (2019), but these efforts have not fully resolved the issue.
Jaipur Municipal Corporation Heritage administration captured 75 stray cattle from the streets of the Walled City and relocated them to the Hingonia Gaushala. This action was part of the administration's ongoing efforts to manage the stray cattle population and maintain public safety in the area. (20th September 2024)
State governments, particularly in regions with high populations of stray cattle, need to intensify their efforts by enacting and rigorously implementing new laws to effectively manage stray animals. They should also provide incentives for farmers to retain unproductive cows or send them to shelters instead of abandoning them.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to the Stray Cow Crisis
The stray cow issue in India is multifaceted, involving cultural, economic, and environmental factors. While cows hold a special place in Indian society, the unchecked population of stray cattle poses serious dangers to both humans and animals.
The government, both at the central and state levels, must adopt a holistic approach to address this crisis. This includes creating more Goshalas, improving waste management practices etc.
Additionally, stricter enforcement of existing animal welfare laws and the introduction of new policies to curb stray cattle are essential.
Effective collaboration between government agencies, local communities, and animal welfare organizations will be critical in addressing this pressing issue. Only through a combination of cultural sensitivity and pragmatic policy measures can India find a solution to the growing problem of stray cows.