Ahmedabad Expands 'No Cattle Zones' to 13 Wards, Revokes Over 60 Licences
In a significant move to enhance public safety and urban management, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), in collaboration with the police and State Reserve Police (SRP), has declared nine new wards as 'No Cattle Zones'. This expansion brings the total number of such zones in the city to 13, with authorities set to cancel over 60 licences and permits issued to cattle owners.
Joint Action Targets High-Traffic Areas
The declaration, made under the 'Zero Tolerance to Cattle Nuisance' campaign, aims to address issues related to stray cattle in busy public spaces. Key areas affected include:
- Maninagar ward and Kankaria in the South Zone
- Stadium ward, Paldi, Nava Vadaj, Naranpura, Chandkheda, Motera, and Sabarmati in the West Zone
These join previously designated zones such as Gota ward in the North West Zone, Khadia ward in the Central Zone, Sardarnagar ward in the North Zone, and Navrangpura wards in the West zone.
Licence Cancellations and Enforcement Measures
According to Naresh Rajput, Head of the Cattle Nuisance Control Department (CNCD), approximately 40 licences in the 13 wards will be revoked under the Stray Cattle Control Policy–2023. An additional 25 licences for public spaces like airports, railway stations, and markets will also be cancelled.
Rajput emphasized, "Cattle owners who were issued licences will not be allowed to keep cattle in these areas, with strict enforcement to follow."
Driving Factors and Legal Framework
The initiative is driven by directives from the Supreme Court and Gujarat High Court, alongside the state's Stray Cattle Control Policy–2023. Key objectives include:
- Improving traffic regulation in congested areas
- Enhancing civic infrastructure and public safety
- Eliminating obstructions caused by stray cattle in high-footfall locations
Joint teams from AMC, police, SRP, and sub-zone offices are conducting inspections, installing informative boards, and relocating cattle to pounds if owners fail to comply.
Recent Enforcement Actions
A recent drive in Maninagar saw 94 cattle under 19 licences shifted outside the city, with 19 cattle sheds and a water trough removed. Implementation has begun in areas like Stadium, Motera, and Airport, with regular checks planned to maintain the zero-tolerance stance.
AMC officials stated, "This campaign ensures a cleaner, safer Ahmedabad by addressing cattle-related nuisances proactively."
