NHAI to build cattle shelters
NHAI plans shelters for stray cattle to curb highway accidents
Accidents caused by stray cattle have been increasing across the country, pushing authorities to take action. In response, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) announced a pilot project to build shelters for stray cattle along national highways. This initiative aims to reduce road mishaps and protect both drivers and animals.
Pilot shelters on key highways
The first cattle shelter will be constructed along the Kharkhoda Bypass on NH-334B, located between the UP/Haryana Border and Rohna. Additional shelters will be built along other major highways, including the Bhiwani-Hansi section of NH-148B at Hansi Bypass, the Kiratpur-Nerchowk section of NH-21, and the Dangiyawas-Jajiwal section of the Jodhpur Ring Road on NH-112.
Under this project, private contractors managing these highway stretches will be responsible for building and maintaining the shelters on land provided by NHAI. These contractors will also ensure the facilities are equipped with adequate fodder, water, first aid, and caretakers to look after the animals. Gawar Construction Ltd, the current concessionaire, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NHAI on Tuesday to implement the program.
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Comprehensive measures for animal safety
The NHAI’s plan goes beyond just constructing shelters. The contractors will ensure stray cattle are safely transported to these facilities and provide medical care for injured animals. As part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, the contractors will deploy cattle ambulances and set up first-aid centers and hospitals covering 50 kilometers on either side of the highways. These services will help provide timely treatment to animals in need.
Additionally, the concessionaire will enforce the Cattle Trespass Act, 1871, as part of this pilot project. The act aims to prevent cattle from wandering onto roads, further improving safety for commuters and animals.
India’s stray cattle population has risen significantly in recent years. The 2020 livestock census estimates there are about five million stray cattle in the country. This problem is particularly severe in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and the Delhi-NCR region. The increase in stray cattle numbers is linked to strict cow slaughter bans implemented in many Indian states over the past decade.
While exact statistics on accidents caused by stray cattle are unavailable, the problem’s growing scale has led high courts in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh to reprimand authorities, including NHAI, for not addressing the issue effectively. This new initiative aims to tackle the root cause and reduce the risks faced by motorists on national highways.
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