Delhi Assembly Monsoon Session: Stray cow menace, illegal construction discussed; Speaker seeks report from MCD
New Delhi, August 10
The issue of stray cows on the streets of the national capital and heated debates over illegal construction dominated the proceedings of the Delhi Legislative Assembly on Monday.
During a discussion on matters of public importance under Rule 280, several MLAs raised concerns regarding the plight of abandoned cattle. Legislators pointed out that many cattle owners in Delhi abandon their cows on the streets after extracting milk, leaving them vulnerable and causing traffic hazards.
The MLAs further alleged that the attitude of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) employees remains apathetic when a cow meets with an accident. Emphasising that the "Gaumata" is deeply connected to public sentiment, the members urged the government to take immediate corrective measures.
Taking note of the gravity of the situation, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta directed the MCD Committee to submit a detailed report. The Speaker has sought specific data on the total number of cows in Delhi, the number of functional 'Gaushalas' (cow shelters), and the steps being taken by the MCD to address the menace.
The session also witnessed a sharp exchange over the issue of illegal construction and corruption.
BJP MLA and Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Mohan Singh Bisht, raised the matter concerning his constituency, Mustafabad, and other parts of Delhi, alleging widespread corruption in the building department.
AAP MLA from Okhla, Amanatullah Khan, also alleged that Muslims are being specifically targeted under the guise of action against illegal construction.
However, Speaker Vijender Gupta intervened, stating that it is incorrect to link administrative action against illegal structures to any particular community.
Apart from the discussions, the House moved towards legislative business with the introduction of three key bills: Information Technology Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh sought the leave of the House to introduce 'The Delhi (Right of Citizen to Time Bound and Ease of Delivery of Services) Bill, 2026' (Bill No. 09 of 2026). Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood moved to introduce 'The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (Amendment) Bill, 2026' (Bill No. 10 of 2026). Minister of Training & Technical Education Ashish Sood also introduced the 'Delhi Private Universities Bill, 2026' (Bill No. 11 of 2026).
— ANI
Reader Comments
The illegal construction discussion is long overdue. But I'm concerned about the communal angle being brought into it. Bulldozer action should be against illegal structures regardless of who owns them. The Speaker was right to clarify that this isn't about targeting any community.
Gaumata ki seva is our cultural duty. Those selfish owners who abandon their cows after milking them should be heavily fined. Maybe the government should also microchip all cattle and track ownership so people can't just dump them on the streets. Just a thought.
As a resident of Delhi, I drive daily and these stray cows are a real traffic hazard, especially at night. But the solution is not just removing them from streets, it's about proper gaushalas with adequate funding. Let's see if this new report changes anything. Not holding my breath though.
Interesting to see Delhi's local governance in action. I hope the Right to Time Bound Services Bill actually reduces the notorious red tape in Indian bureaucracy. Implementation will be key, and I hope citizens get real relief from endless government office visits.
The stray cow problem is a symptom of a bigger issue - lack of compassion and civic sense. Also the way politicians immediately bring religion into every infrastructure discussion is exhausting. Can we just focus on the rules and regulations without polarizing everything? 😔
M We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.