Noida Authority Ramps Up Stray Cattle Removal After Critical Crash Incident
In the wake of a serious motorcycle accident involving a stray bull that left a software engineer critically injured, the Noida Authority has significantly intensified its ongoing drive to clear stray cattle from major thoroughfares across the city. The incident has brought renewed urgency to a persistent public safety issue plaguing several key residential and commercial sectors.
Official Figures Reveal Scale of Impounding Efforts
Official data released by the authority shows a concerted effort over recent months. In December alone, municipal teams successfully impounded 125 stray cattle from various locations throughout Noida. This number increased in January, with 147 more animals being captured and removed from public roads and residential areas. The drive gained further momentum on February 10th, following the crash involving 29-year-old software engineer Prakhar Bhardwaj.
Bhardwaj suffered severe head injuries after his motorcycle collided with a bull that was walking directly in the middle of the main road in Sector 168. In direct response to this incident, authorities swiftly removed four additional stray cattle from the immediate vicinity of the crash site to prevent further accidents.
Root Causes and Official Strategy for Cattle Menace
Officials explained that the stray cattle problem largely stems from economic decisions made by owners in peri-urban villages located on the city's fringes. "Stray cattle are often abandoned once they stop yielding milk," a senior official stated. "Several villages are located along the city's fringes, and owners frequently release unproductive cattle onto public roads as a cost-saving measure."
The authority's standard operating procedure involves regular rounding up of these animals by dedicated teams. Captured cattle are then transported to designated government shelters. In cases where ownership can be definitively established, the authorities impose a substantial fine of Rs 10,000 before the animal is released back to the owner. "These drives are conducted routinely, but sustained public cooperation is vital for achieving long-term results and ensuring road safety," the official emphasized, highlighting the need for community involvement.
Officials identified specific hotspots where the problem is most acute, including Sectors 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 10X, and various areas adjoining urban villages. These sectors, with their mix of residential complexes and commercial hubs, see high traffic volumes, making encounters with stray cattle particularly dangerous.
Residents Voice Concerns Over Persistent Daily Hazards
Despite the authority's intensified efforts, local residents report that free-roaming cattle remain a constant and dangerous hazard on major arterial roads. Neeraj, a daily commuter who uses the Sector 78 road to reach his office, described a concerning pattern of behavior that exacerbates the problem. "People routinely pull over their cars to feed cattle right at the T-point junctions," he said. "Naturally, the cattle keep returning to these spots, and their numbers seem to grow day by day. This ends up creating a significant public safety hazard as drivers are forced to navigate around stationary animals at busy intersections. The situation is becoming increasingly chaotic and risky for all commuters."
Heightened Danger During Late-Night Hours
The peril escalates after sunset, according to a cab driver who regularly ferries late-night office-goers. He pinpointed the stretch near Sectors 77 and 78 as especially treacherous in the dark. "I perform late-night drops almost every day, sometimes as late as 2 a.m. On this particular stretch, I regularly encounter groups of 10 to 12 cattle either sitting or wandering in the middle of the road," he explained. "Visibility is already compromised at that hour, and the dark-colored animals are nearly impossible to spot from a safe distance. One moment the road appears clear; the next, I have to slam on the brakes to avoid a catastrophic collision. The most frustrating aspect is the complete absence of even basic safety measures, such as reflective collars on the animals, which could provide crucial warning to drivers."
Market Waste Aggravates the Problem
Compounding the issue is the improper disposal of organic waste from local vegetable markets. A resident of Sector 78 detailed how this practice directly attracts cattle. "After the local vegetable markets shut for the night, heaps of leftover greens and produce are dumped along the roadside, particularly around the Sector 77–78 belt," the resident said. "This waste acts as a powerful magnet, drawing cattle in large numbers. Within minutes of the dumping, they occupy the carriageway and stubbornly refuse to move, effectively turning the entire stretch into a dangerous choke point for drivers. This is a major concern for those working late shifts and traveling during the night."
The Noida Authority's drive underscores a critical urban management challenge, balancing animal welfare with urgent public safety needs on the city's rapidly developing road network.
