Tackle stray cattle menace in city, residents urge LMC

Time of India

25-05-2025

Lucknow: Stepping outside the house in Lucknow often means encountering a large bull or cow, unmoving on the road. This is a common scene, as residents grow frustrated with the unchecked presence of stray cattle.
Despite efforts by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) and the establishment of cow shelters (gaushalas), citizens say the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate. Encounters with roaming cattle have become routine, with incidents reported every other day across various localities.
Large groups of stray cattle were observed flocking on roads across various parts of the city—including Aliganj, Mahanagar, Triveni Nagar, Ashiyana, Gomti Nagar, and Alambagh—as well as in the congested lanes of Rakabganj and the old city areas, according to a reality check conducted by TOI.
These neighbourhoods have previously reported cases of cattle-related injuries, adding to the urgency for action. Notably, a 91-year-old man, Rameshwar Prasad Kashyap, lost his life on May 23 while escaping from the range of a bull fight in Triveninagar.
Several other incidents are reported due to collisions with cattle in the city.
Sant Ram Gupta, a shop owner in Aliganj, said, "The number of stray animals, especially cows and bulls, just keeps going up.
We face problems in our businesses every day. They often damage goods kept outside."
Balram Singh, a local resident, added, "We haven't seen any real drop in their numbers. If anything, they seem to be increasing, making it risky to drive—especially after dark."
The issue isn't just an inconvenience. Stray cattle frequently feed from open garbage piles, block roads, and lounge on green spaces, often bringing traffic to a standstill.
Their presence is particularly dangerous at night when visibility is low and the chances of accidents increase.
Sarika Awasthi, a homemaker from Rakabganj, said, "We need proper shelters and care facilities for these animals—not just for their sake, but for public safety too. This is something we expect the LMC to take seriously. Otherwise, what's the point of having gaushalas in the city?"
Mukesh Singh Chauhan, corporator and opposition leader in the LMC House, said, "The gaushala in Kanha Upvan is overcrowded.
The new gaushala is yet to be completed; residents are left to deal with the fatal incidents happening around the city. LMC administration is least bothered about the cattle menace in the city."
Abhinav Verma, animal welfare officer, LMC, said, "We will soon carry out special drive to keep the city free of stray animals. A total of 65 cows, 8 calves, 41 buffaloes, and 7 buffalo calves have been seized this year and Rs 9,17,000 have been collected as fine."