SURAT: Feeding cows early in the morning either with grass or chappatis as is your personal choice can continue only if you have been practising it in a gaushala or panjrapol. If it is a stray 'sewa' done on public roads, stop. For, your act of bovine kindness will not melt the authorities' hearts who will instead reward you with a jail term!
In a public notification issued by the city police commissioner, any person found selling grass or feeding cattle on the public roads or pedestrian footpaths will be booked for violation of the public notification issued to prevent accidents involving cattle roaming on the road.
Police officers including the ranks of assistant sub inspector and above have been authorized to book rule violators.
Feeding of cattle is rampant near temples which peak during festivals like Uttarayan or Janmashtami. In the recent past, a number of serious or even fatal accidents have been reported in the state involving stray cattle.
In the notification, the police also ordered to get cattle tagged by Surat Municipal Corporation with electronic chips within 60 days. These tags will help identify the cattle and its owner and ensure legal actions against the errant owners who let their livestock roam free on public roads.
"The police are supporting the SMC in taking steps against stray cattle on roads. Team from both the police and SMC will ensure implementation of the notification," said city police commissioner Ajay Tomar.
"Some important steps are being taken by the police and the SMC to prevent accidents occurring due to stray cattle. It will also help keep city roads clean. Those who wish to feed cows can go to cattle sheds or panjrapole," said Dharmesh Gami, president of Bhartiya Gaurakhsa Manch.
Gujarat Maldhari Mahapanchayat's city convener and Congress leader, Kanu Desai alleged, "These actions are against the beliefs and practices of the Hindu community. While many other criminal activities are continuing fearlessly, feeding of cows will now face legal actions!"
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