Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation has begun steps to engage a private agency to address the city’s stray cattle problem, after herds roaming roads, market areas and residential neighbourhoods disrupted traffic and contributed to accidents across the civic limits.
A senior BMC official said the civic body was considering assistance from a private agency to find a permanent solution to the unrestricted movement of cattle and bulls. The report did not specify the agency, the proposed contract value or a timeline for its appointment.
Discussions are still underway on the scope of the agency’s responsibilities. One option under consideration is for the agency to rescue cattle found on roads. The wider proposal could also include managing their accommodation, food, medical treatment and overall maintenance at cattle shelters.
The uncertainty over the agency’s exact role points to the administrative challenge before the BMC. Removing cattle from busy roads would address an immediate traffic and safety problem, but a longer-term arrangement would require the civic body to establish who is responsible for shelter operations, veterinary care, feeding and continued maintenance.
The issue has become visible across different parts of the city. According to the report, herds have been seen on main roads, in market areas and inside residential neighbourhoods. Their presence can obstruct vehicle movement and create risks for road users, while also raising questions about how animals are handled after being removed from public spaces.
The BMC’s proposed response therefore involves two linked responsibilities: protecting public safety and ensuring humane treatment of the animals. Sources cited in the report stressed that any initiative must balance these concerns and provide proper protection for cattle in shelters.
The report does not establish how many stray cattle are currently being managed within Bhubaneswar, how many shelters are available, or whether existing facilities have the capacity to provide accommodation, food and medical treatment. It also does not indicate whether the BMC has finalised an operating model for the proposed private agency.
For residents, the immediate concern is the continued movement of cattle through busy urban spaces. For the municipal administration, the proposed intervention will require more than roadside rescue if it is to address the problem beyond individual incidents. The next decision will be whether the private agency’s mandate covers only capture and removal or extends to the animals’ complete care after rescue.
The BMC is expected to continue discussions on the agency’s responsibilities and the arrangements for cattle shelters before finalising its approach.
