Gujarat HC seeks explanation from Dwarka Municipality over stray cattle menace

The Gujarat High Court has demanded a response from the Chief Officer of Dwarka Municipality after a public interest litigation (PIL) raised concerns over the growing threat posed by stray bulls and cattle in the temple town. The division bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice D N Ray asked the municipality to detail the steps taken so far to control the nuisance. The matter will be heard again in the coming days.

According to the PIL, more than 2,000 stray cattle roam the streets of Dwarka, frequently attacking pedestrians, residents and tourists. The petition states that several people have been injured and some have even died due to these attacks. Despite multiple complaints, the petitioners alleged that the municipality has failed to take effective action.

The plea also pointed out that the High Court has repeatedly issued directions to all municipalities across Gujarat to address the issue of stray cattle, but Dwarka authorities have not implemented these orders. The unchecked cattle menace, it argued, has created fear among domestic and international tourists visiting the Dwarkadhish Temple.

In its preliminary defence, Dwarka Municipality said it conducts periodic drives to catch stray bulls and sends them to cow shelters through a contracted private agency. However, the petitioner countered that these claims exist only on paper and that no real progress has been made at the ground level.

The High Court has now sought a detailed report from the municipality before the next hearing.