The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has released 19 cattle they caught roaming the streets illegally after collecting fines totaling over ₹1 lakh from their owners. This action comes as part of the civic body’s ongoing effort to control the menace of stray cattle, which pose a safety hazard and create traffic disruptions.
As part of a policy implemented last November, the SMC requires cattle owners to obtain licenses for their sheds, detailing the number and age of their animals, and have them tagged with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips. Owners who fail to comply face a ₹1,000 penalty and potentially have their animals impounded.
In a recent drive, the SMC caught 19 stray cattle. Checking their RFID chips revealed that 16 were repeat offenders, caught twice before, while three were caught for the third time. Consequently, the SMC imposed fines of ₹90,100 on owners of cattle caught for the second time and ₹16,700 on those caught for the third time.
The SMC leverages its Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) network and public camera footage to monitor cattle movement on the streets. Market Superintendent Digvijay Ram explained, “We will personally verify shed information and fine owners for repeat offenders. However, if the same animal is caught a fourth time, we will detain it and potentially cancel the owner’s license.”
Currently, over 200 cattle await their owners’ claim at the Bhestan pond center. Unclaimed animals will be handed over to the panjrapole, an animal shelter.
This initiative by the SMC highlights its commitment to ensuring public safety and addressing the issue of stray cattle in Surat. The combination of licensing, RFID tagging, and fines aims to encourage responsible animal ownership and deter cattle from roaming freely on the streets.
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