Dholka’s stray cattle problem has intensified across markets, roads and residential areas, with bullfights and animals occupying carriageways creating safety fears for residents, pedestrians, traders and motorists, according to a report by Gujarat Samachar – Ahmedabad published on October 8.
The report said stray cattle are being seen from the town’s main markets and housing societies to the stretch between Kalikund and Parshvanath Circle, Saroda Road and the new and old vegetable markets. Animals sitting in the middle of roads are forcing motorists to take sudden evasive action, while bullfights have increased the risk of collisions and injuries.
The safety concerns have sharpened after the report described a recent fatal incident in the Dholka GIDC area, where a bull allegedly lifted a young man on its horns and caused his death. The report did not provide the victim’s name, the date of the incident or details of any police or medical investigation.
Gujarat Samachar – Ahmedabad reported that the problem extends beyond isolated road obstructions. Stray cattle are affecting commercial areas and residential societies, placing pedestrians and two-wheeler users at particular risk when animals move suddenly or clash on busy roads. The report said local traders and residents fear that the continuing presence of cattle could lead to further accidents.
The report attributed local anger to what residents described as inaction by the Dholka municipality. It said the civic body had not undertaken effective action to capture or confine the animals despite the reported fatality. Residents and traders have called for the municipal chief officer and councillors to respond to the issue and begin a cattle-catching campaign.
The timing has added urgency to the demand. With Navratri and Diwali approaching, markets are expected to see increased pedestrian and customer movement. Residents cited in the report said crowded areas could become more dangerous if stray cattle continue to occupy roads and public spaces during the festival period.
The immediate demand from residents and traders is for the municipality to capture and confine stray cattle before festival crowds increase. The report did not specify the number of animals involved, the municipality’s current cattle-control capacity, the availability of holding facilities or any announced deadline for action. No response from the Dholka municipality was included in the supplied report.
