Fluorescent Strips to Enhance Visibility
The government plans to attach highly reflective fluorescent strips to the horns and necks of stray cattle. These strips will reflect vehicle headlights, making the animals visible in low-light conditions. This measure is designed to prevent accidents caused by sudden encounters with stray cattle on the roads.
Animal Husbandry Department Director P N Singh stated that the proposal is in its final stages and is expected to receive approval soon. "The proposal has been under discussion for the past two weeks and has also been shared with the relevant minister for final approval," he said.
Project Implementation and Background
The Animal Husbandry Department will oversee the implementation of this project. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to tackle the stray cattle issue in Uttar Pradesh. Official records indicate that the state has approximately 1.5 million stray cattle, with about 1.2 million in animal shelters. The remaining 300,000 cattle are managed by marginal families under the Sahbhagita scheme, which provides up to Rs 1,500 per month per cattle for fodder. Each family can care for up to four cattle under this scheme.
Challenges and Political Implications
The stray cattle problem in Uttar Pradesh is attributed to a mix of factors, including inadequate animal husbandry practices and a complete ban on cow slaughter, which leads farmers to abandon cattle that are no longer productive. The issue has also become a political concern, with the opposition Samajwadi Party frequently criticizing the state government’s handling of the situation. The matter received notable attention during the 2022 assembly elections, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav highlighting it in their campaigns.
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