After the impounding of cattle, it's now the turn of the owners, who set hundreds of domesticated milch animals free in the city to graze at night, to face the music.
The Chandigarh municipal corporation (MC) has now doubled the fine amount for violators. For buffalo, the fine is Rs 4,000 from Rs 2,000; and for cow, it is Rs 3,000 from Rs 1,500. The notification about the fine hike was issued on October 23.
The notification states that the feeding charges for the impounded cattle will be Rs 300 per day from Rs 50. The cattle will be released to the owners against the fine twice only and subsequently the cattle, if impounded, will be auctioned. The sub-divisional magistrates shall initiate action against cattle owners who let loose their animals under the relevant provision of law.
Cattle roaming the city at night have caused at least three deaths this year in road mishaps. While there are around 3,000 stray cattle in the city, the menace multiplies as there are 17,000 domesticated cows and buffaloes owned by residents of periphery villages.
MC joint commissioner Rajiv Gupta said, “The fine amount has been increased and we have to deal with the violators more strictly. Last month, cases were registered against 20 habitual offenders under sections 283 (danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation) and 289 (negligent conduct with respect to animal) of the Indian Penal Code which carry imprisonment for up to six months.”
He added, “The habitual offenders let the cattle roam free but keep the calves with themselves so that the animals return home on their own for their offspring. These dairy owners earn a lot of profit by selling milk, but instead of making arrangements to feed the animals they just set them free to graze in public parks and on roadside weeds.”
{{/usCountry}}He added, “The habitual offenders let the cattle roam free but keep the calves with themselves so that the animals return home on their own for their offspring. These dairy owners earn a lot of profit by selling milk, but instead of making arrangements to feed the animals they just set them free to graze in public parks and on roadside weeds.”
{{/usCountry}}At present, the civic body is facing problems in keeping impounded cattle in the two gaushalas at Sector 45 and Maloya and the pound in Industrial Area, Phase 1, as they are already filled to capacity.
The new fine
Category Now Earlier
Buffalo Rs 4,000 Rs 2,000
Cow Rs 3,000 Rs 1,500
Bull, bullock, heifer Rs 1,500 Rs 750
Sheep, lamb, goat Rs 700 Rs 350
Camel, horse, mare, pony, mule, donkey and pig Rs 2,000 Rs 1,000
Complain here
MC stray cattle team in-charge Satyavir Singh on 98725-11265 and
superintendent MS Kamboj on 98725-11260
Why the accidents?
*70% streetlights in southern sectors are non-functional; high-beam headlights not allowed, making vehicles further vulnerable
*Around 17,000 domesticated milch animals in the city's surrounding villages are sent into the sectors to graze at night