Raipur.To reduce the rising number of road accidents caused by stray animals, the Urban Administration and Development Department (UADD) has directed all urban local bodies across the state to launch a month-long special campaign. The initiative aims to enhance road safety, ensure proper management of stray animals, and raise public awareness among animal owners.
According to the official circular issued by the Ministry, district collectors, municipal corporation commissioners, and chief municipal officers of municipalities and town councils have been instructed to act in line with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) formulated by the Transport Department.
The circular emphasizes educating animal owners about the dangers of leaving animals unattended on roads and discourages the abandonment of animals in public areas.
Transport Department’s SOP for Stray Animal Accident Prevention
The Transport Department has issued a detailed SOP outlining departmental responsibilities for:
- Ensuring road safety and accident prevention
- Forming monitoring and rescue teams
- Managing and rehabilitating stray animals
- Implementing emergency response systems
- Conducting awareness campaigns for animal owners
The SOP also stresses coordination among departments for efficient response and accident management on national highways and major roads.
Mapping High-Risk Zones and Relocation Efforts
Under this initiative, all urban bodies have been instructed to identify and map high-risk and moderate-risk zones as per the Transport Department’s guidelines.
Once identified, stray cattle and other animals will be safely relocated to cow shelters, sanctuaries, cattle pens, and shelters through authorized cow-catcher teams.
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After relocation, authorities are required to notify the owners and initiate legal action according to the SOP. This move aims to ensure accountability and reduce repeat violations.
Safety Enhancements and Nighttime Accident Prevention
To improve nighttime visibility and prevent road accidents, the Animal Husbandry Department has been directed to:
- Install radium reflective strips on stray animals
- Ensure proper streetlighting in identified accident-prone areas
- Set up warning and safety signboards on major roads
These measures are expected to significantly reduce collisions during night hours.
Public Awareness and Community Involvement
The campaign also includes extensive awareness programs using social media, public camps, and departmental outreach drives.
Urban bodies have been tasked with educating animal owners about responsible ownership and discouraging open abandonment of animals. Additionally, villages within a 10–15 km radius of urban areas will also be covered under the campaign, in coordination with Gram Panchayats.
Dedicated Helplines for Stray Animal-Related Complaints
For effective redressal of stray animal complaints, the department has publicized two toll-free helpline numbers:
- 1033 – National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Helpline
- 1100 (Nidan) – Urban Local Body Complaint Portal
All monitoring teams are required to actively respond to complaints received through these numbers and ensure regular review and resolution tracking.
Monitoring and Reporting
The Urban Administration Department has instructed all local bodies to follow the Transport Department’s SOPs and the directives issued by the Ministry. Regular progress reports and weekly updates must be submitted to the Directorate through regional joint directors to ensure accountability and transparency.
A Step Toward Safer Roads and Humane Animal Management
This month-long special campaign, conducted both day and night, marks a proactive step by the Chhattisgarh government toward road safety, animal welfare, and public awareness. By combining law enforcement, community participation, and technological measures, the initiative seeks to create safer roads for both humans and animals.
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