Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to formulate a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to tackle the growing problem of stray animals on national highways and minimise accidents caused by them, Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallick said on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters, Mallick said a meeting chaired by Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena on Friday discussed measures to remove stray animals from national highways and ensure their proper rehabilitation.
“The meeting was attended by the Transport Commissioner, Additional Commissioner, NHAI officials and officials of our department. We discussed the issue of stray animals on national highways, the accidents caused by them and ways to prevent loss of life,” Mallick said.
He said the government has proposed setting up gaushalas (cow shelters) at intervals of around 100-150 km along national highways. Stray cattle found on the highways would be shifted to these shelters, where they would be taken care of by the Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department.
According to the minister, social organisations may be entrusted with the maintenance of the gaushalas, while the expenses would be borne by the department.
Mallick also said local police officials, including SPs and IICs, would be instructed to assist in removing stray animals from highways. The measures are also expected to help curb cattle smuggling and reduce accidents involving animals.
“We are now preparing the guidelines and discussing how they can be implemented immediately. The matter will be discussed at the next meeting and the SOP will be finalised,” the minister said.
The proposed measures are aimed at improving road safety, reducing animal-related accidents and ensuring safer travel on national highways across the state.
