The Delhi government is planning to bring a strong “foolproof” law for the protection of stray cows, Home Minister Ashish Sood announced Friday.
Responding to discussions on Private Member’s Day in the Delhi Assembly, Sood said that the Bill will incorporate suggestions from all stakeholders and Assembly members to make it foolproof. “The proposals to bring a Bill for the protection of cows not only reflect the sentiments of the entire House but also resonate with the feelings of the people of Delhi who uphold Sanatan values. Every honourable member has engaged with this issue deeply, emotionally, and sensitively,” he added.
During a zonal committee meeting of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s (MCD) Keshavpuram Zone held on Thursday, plans to seal unauthorised dairies and demolish illegal house constructions linked to their owners and impose penalties were passed. The action will also extend to illegal electricity and water connections at the dairy owner’s residence. The decisions in the MCD meeting were taken a day after a herd of cattle had obstructed Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s convoy for 15 minutes.
The CM was on her way to carry out a spot visit to inspect the city’s Metro pillars when the animals obstructed her path. “Due to the driver’s presence of mind, an accident was averted,” a source said.
Keshavpuram Zone Chairman Yogesh Verma earlier said that dairy operators routinely release cows onto the roads after milking them, leading to frequent accidents. “The corporation used to seal these dairies, but owners have been breaking the seals. Now, we will go a step further — sealing not just the dairies but also cutting electricity and water connections and taking action against illegal residential constructions of dairy owners,” he said.
Meanwhile, the proposed legislation will include stringent enforcement mechanisms to check exploitation by cow mafias and curb illegal cattle trade by incorporating BNS clauses and suggestions from MCD and the Public Works Department (PWD). “The government is committed to cow protection…We will bring a strong, comprehensive Bill that will effectively address concerns regarding the welfare of cows.” Sood said.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
