Lucknow Municipal Drive Uncovers Illegal Dairy Operations in Residential Colonies
The quiet infiltration of illegal dairy activities within residential neighborhoods has emerged as a significant public health concern in Lucknow. A recent enforcement drive conducted by municipal authorities has revealed how certain city homes are being misused for commercial dairy operations, directly compromising neighborhood hygiene and daily living conditions.
Resident Complaints Trigger Municipal Action
The Lucknow Municipal Corporation initiated the targeted drive in the Bijnor area of Zone-8 following persistent complaints from local residents. As documented by Bhaskar English, area inhabitants had been voicing serious concerns about deteriorating sanitary conditions linked to unauthorized dairy businesses operating from residential premises.
Animals Discovered Inside Living Spaces
When civic officials arrived at Royal City Colony in Gadora, some dairy operators attempted to evade enforcement measures. According to reports, to prevent authorities from confiscating their livestock, operators had locked buffaloes and goats inside residential houses. Shockingly, officials discovered these animals confined within bedrooms and drawing rooms—spaces specifically designated for human habitation and daily household activities.
Ground Resistance During Enforcement Operation
The enforcement drive encountered substantial on-ground resistance. Municipal vehicles were reportedly surrounded by local opposition during the operation. Despite these challenges, the enforcement team maintained their presence at the site and persevered with their mission. After approximately three hours of determined effort, all animals were successfully removed from the residential properties.
Substantial Animal Seizure and Relocation
During the comprehensive drive, officials confiscated a total of nineteen animals, including:
- Eleven buffaloes
- Four heifers
- Three cows
- One calf
According to Navbharat Times reports, all seized animals were transported to the Aishbagh Kanji House facility. Authorities confirmed that the livestock will remain at this location until the prescribed penalties are fully paid by the violators.
Sanitation Issues at Complaint Core
Residents had specifically complained about multiple sanitation violations, including:
- Animal dung being dumped in open plots
- Waste materials being discharged directly into sewer lines
Local residents reported that these practices had resulted in visibly dirty surroundings, persistent waterlogging problems, and increased risks of mosquito-borne diseases throughout the affected area.
Municipal Regulations on Animal Rearing
Bhaskar English reported that the municipal corporation clarified existing regulations under the Municipal Corporation Act of 1959. According to these rules:
- Buffalo rearing is completely prohibited within urban limits as buffaloes are classified as pollution-causing animals
- Residents may keep a maximum of two cows, but only with a valid license
Multi-Agency Collaborative Enforcement
The enforcement action represented a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies:
- Police department personnel
- Municipal enforcement staff
- Animal welfare department officials
Animal Welfare Officer Dr. Abhinav Verma emphasized that strict actions against illegally operating dairies will continue in the coming days. The operation team included members Manoj, Ramkumar, Furkan, and Nadeem, who provided crucial assistance during the enforcement activities.
This incident has once again highlighted the persistent challenges civic authorities face in regulating illegal dairy operations within residential areas. It underscores the significant impact such unauthorized commercial activities have on public health standards and overall urban cleanliness in Lucknow.
