The Chhattisgarh High Court has expressed serious concern over the recurring road accidents on national highways caused by stray cattle lying or roaming on the roads. These accidents have resulted in significant loss of human and animal lives. The Court observed that the efforts so far undertaken by both the State Government and the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to address this problem are inadequate and must be strengthened.

 

This direction came during a hearing of WPPIL No. 58 of 2019, filed by petitioner Sanjay Rajak against the State of Chhattisgarh. The Court was informed through an affidavit filed by the Chief Secretary in compliance with the Court’s earlier order dated July 16, 2025. The affidavit detailed measures taken after a tragic accident on the Ratanpur–Kenda Road (NH 45), where 16 unclaimed stray cattle were killed by an unknown vehicle.

 

 

The affidavit mentioned several initiatives aimed at preventing accidents involving stray cattle:

• Formation of joint monitoring teams covering rural and urban areas to track and manage stray animals.

• Installation of radium strips on over 2,000 cattle to improve their visibility at night.

• Sterilisation and ear-tagging campaigns conducted in collaboration with the Animal Husbandry Department.

• Establishment of holding areas and shelters specifically for stray cattle found roaming on highways.

• Identification and marking of high-risk zones prone to cattle-related accidents.

• Conducting awareness drives in villages along highways to educate residents about the hazards.

• Registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) against negligent cattle owners.

• Proposal for creation of a 205.10-acre cow sanctuary in Jogipur to provide a long-term solution for managing stray cattle populations.

 

Despite these measures, the Court was informed during the hearing on July 31, 2025, that another accident had occurred on the National Highway, resulting in the death of seven cattle. The frequency of such incidents, as highlighted in news reports and social media, underscores the insufficiency of current efforts.

 

A Division Bench consisting of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal emphasized the gravity of the situation:

 

 

The Court ordered NHAI to take “positive and effective measures” to alert and educate the public about the dangers of stray animals on highways, including through all possible communication channels. Motorists must be made aware to exercise caution and reduce accidents involving both humans and animals.

 

Simultaneously, the Court directed the State Government to promptly implement effective measures as outlined by the Chief Secretary in his affidavit, ensuring a comprehensive and coordinated approach.

 

The Court also addressed problems related to encroachment and traffic congestion near the Pendridih bypass, where shops operating on government land are allegedly allowing vehicles, including heavy trucks, to park for extended periods for refreshment and repairs.

 

Observing that it had previously ordered against such encroachments under the bridge near the bypass, the Court expressed its expectation that the area be cleared, beautified, and properly illuminated to prevent misuse.

 

The Gram Panchayat of Pendridih was directed to ensure strict regulation of the shops to prevent truck owners or others from causing congestion or indulging in unauthorized activities. Failure to comply would invite appropriate court orders.

 

The Court also directed the District Magistrate of Bilaspur to file a personal affidavit regarding the situation at the Pendridih bypass and to ensure that the shops do not contribute to traffic problems or antisocial behavior.

 

The case has been scheduled for further hearing on August 19, 2025.