Stray Cattle In UP To Get Fluroscent Tags Around Their Necks To Avoid Accidents, Govt Issues Order

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a new initiative to enhance road safety by equipping stray cattle with fluorescent strips. Funds for this project will be drawn from the state's Cow Protection Fund, with district magistrates and the Animal Husbandry Department tasked with its implementation, as per a government order.

Issued by Principal Secretary K Ravindra Nayak on October 7, the order states that part of the Cow Protection Fund will be used to buy reflective strips that will be placed around the necks of cows grazing near highways and busy roads.

Fluorescent Strips To Be Attached To Necks of Stray Cattle

Officials explained that these fluorescent strips will be attached to the horns and necks of stray cattle. The highly reflective material will catch the light from vehicle headlights, making the animals more visible in low-light conditions and thereby reducing the risk of accidents caused by unexpected encounters with them on the roads.

Animal Husbandry Department Director P N Singh said, "The order has been communicated to district-level officials for implementation. We will aim to complete the work of placing radium tapes on stray cattle in the winter season itself." The Animal Husbandry Department will serve as the nodal agency for the implementation of this project.

The introduction of fluorescent strips on stray cattle is part of a broader plan to address the issue of stray animals in the state. According to official records, Uttar Pradesh currently has approximately 15 lakh stray cattle, of which around 12 lakh are housed in animal shelters.

The remaining three lakh stray cattle are partially managed by marginal families under the Sahbhagita scheme. These families receive a maximum of Rs 1,500 per month per cattle for fodder. A single family can participate in the scheme with a maximum of four cattle.

Experts point to a combination of factors contributing to the stray cattle issue in the state. A key reason is the lack of effective animal husbandry practices, which has resulted in uncontrolled breeding and the abandonment of animals.

Stricter government regulations on animal slaughter, including a complete ban on cow slaughter, have also been identified as contributing factors, as farmers may abandon cattle that have exceeded their productive age.

The stray cattle problem has become a political hot topic, with the opposition Samajwadi Party (SP) frequently criticizing the state government for its inability to address the issue effectively.

This matter garnered significant attention during the 2022 Assembly elections, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing it in public rallies. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav also highlighted the issue as a key part of his campaign platform.