UP: Fluorescent strips on stray bulls to stop deadly accidents on highways

This has been carried out to ensure stray bulls are seen to drivers, notably on main highways the place accidents are frequent.

The initiative started in Pilibhit, the place employees have tagged 450 stray bulls alongside three main highways: Bareilly-Haridwar NH-74, Pilibhit-Basti NH-730, and Bhind-Lipulekh NH-731, based on a Occasions of India report.

The fluorescent strips, which glow beneath automobile headlights, value ₹400 per bull and are notably helpful for black-coated cattle that are inclined to mix into the evening, making them practically invisible to drivers.

The undertaking, led by Assistant Regional Transport Officer Virendra Singh, has seen the lively involvement of native villagers who’ve supported and partially funded the initiative.

Nonetheless, the duty has not been with out its challenges. Subject groups, working with out protecting gear or tranquilisation instruments, have confronted threats from the very animals they have been making an attempt to guard. Singh acknowledged the numerous function performed by villagers in making certain the success of the undertaking, but in addition burdened that with out correct security measures, the initiative can’t be expanded.

This effort attracts inspiration from the same initiative launched by the NGO Neki Ki Deevar in 2016, which tagged round 350 stray cattle in Puranpur. Whereas the sooner undertaking confronted logistical and security challenges that led to its halt, the Pilibhit initiative continues, with hopes to cut back the variety of nocturnal accidents involving stray animals.