Stray Dogs and Animals to Be Removed From State and National Highways as Government Launches Road Safety Drive

Mumbai: In a major road safety initiative, the state government has expanded its campaign against stray animals, ordering strict action to keep state and national highways free from dogs and other roaming animals. The move comes after similar directions were earlier implemented at sports complexes and stadiums to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.

According to the latest government directive, all Public Works Department (PWD) units responsible for highway maintenance have been instructed to carry out a focused, time-bound drive in coordination with District Road Safety Committees. The decision follows earlier guidelines issued by the Supreme Court aimed at reducing road accidents caused by stray animals.

Under the plan, authorities will first map accident-prone and high-risk highway stretches where complaints about stray dogs and cattle are frequent. Dedicated teams will then capture these animals and relocate them to authorised shelter facilities. To prevent their return, monitoring mechanisms and regular patrols will be introduced along vulnerable routes.

The government has also ordered the formation of vigilance teams comprising officials from the police department, animal husbandry wing, and local civic bodies. These squads will conduct routine inspections and respond immediately to reports of stray animals on highways.

To involve citizens in the safety effort, a large-scale awareness campaign will be rolled out. Emergency helpline numbers — NHAI’s 1033 and the state’s 112 — will be prominently displayed along highways, allowing commuters to instantly report sightings of stray animals. Complaints received through these numbers will be directly forwarded to local police stations and district control rooms for quick action.

Oversight of the entire operation has been assigned to the Animal Husbandry Department, which will act as the nodal agency. District authorities have been directed to submit regular progress reports, detailing actions taken and challenges faced during implementation.

Senior officials said the responsibility for execution will rest collectively with District Road Safety Committees, which include top administrative, police, transport and civic officials. In metropolitan areas like Mumbai, where multiple agencies maintain different highways, coordination between state bodies, civic corporations and development authorities has been emphasised to ensure uniform enforcement.