Gujarat Deploys AI to Tackle Stray Cattle Menace in Ahmedabad

The Gujarat government has initiated a pilot project in Ahmedabad to address problems caused by stray cattle using Artificial Intelligence. An agency assigned by the AI Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar is developing a deep learning model that will use CCTV footage to identify cows by their unique nose patterns, much like a human fingerprint. The system will then match the identified cattle against a municipal database of over 110,000 RFID-tagged cows to trace their owners in real-time. If successful, this AI solution aims to streamline identification, manage traffic disruptions, and enhance public safety by preventing cattle-related accidents.

Key Points: AI Model to Identify Stray Cows, Find Owners in Ahmedabad

  • AI model scans cow's unique nose pattern
  • Integrates with 130 city CCTV junctions
  • Matches against database of 1.1 lakh tagged cattle
  • Aims to reduce traffic issues and boost public safety
2 min read

Pilot project preparation for Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation: Agency begins AI model creation

Gujarat's AI Centre of Excellence develops a deep learning model using CCTV to identify stray cattle via nose biometrics and trace owners in real-time.

"The model will integrate images captured through CCTV cameras to identify cows and trace their owners in real time - Official Release"

Gandhinagar, January 19

The Gujarat government is prioritising modern technology and Artificial Intelligence to develop Gujarat's cities as smart urban centres. Moving forward in this approach, a key pilot project has been initiated in the expanding Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation area, aiming to address problems caused by stray cattle.

According to an official release, following the establishment of the AI Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, efforts are underway to strengthen citizen service delivery by integrating advanced technology into state administration.

Stray cows often lead to traffic-related issues in Ahmedabad. Currently, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation teams capture photographs of stray cattle in different areas through CCTV and identify them through microchips and RFID tags. Since officials carry out this process manually, it consumes considerable time and effort.

To resolve this, the administration has begun introducing AI-based solutions to speed up identification and reduce the time and effort involved. The AI Centre of Excellence at GIFT City in Gandhinagar has assigned an agency to develop an AI model. The agency has proposed solutions based on a deep learning model and will soon present the developed model before the steering committee. This model will integrate images captured through CCTV cameras to identify cows and trace their owners in real time, the release stated.

A cow's nose is its unique biometric ID. Just as every person has a unique fingerprint, every cow has a unique nose pattern. The model scans the face, any marks or stains on the eyes & face. Using this information, the AI model identifies the cow from the crowd, matches it with the database, and provides the details of the cattle owner.

Currently, about 1 lakh 10 thousand cows in Ahmedabad are equipped with RFID tags and microchips. Their database is maintained by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. Cameras at 130 junctions across the city capture images of stray cows.

If successful, this solution will help manage traffic and other problems caused by stray cows more effectively. The initiative also aims to boost public safety by preventing cattle-related accidents and establishing a data-driven monitoring system, the release noted.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
This is fascinating technology - using a cow's nose as a biometric ID. It sounds very innovative. However, I hope the funds and focus are balanced. While solving traffic issues is important, I also hope the captured cattle are treated humanely and not just seen as a 'problem' to be removed.
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Vikram M
Good step forward. But the real challenge is holding the owners accountable. The AI can find them, but will there be a proper penalty system? Often, people let their cattle roam freely to save on fodder costs. The solution needs a strong enforcement mechanism alongside the tech.
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Sarah B
As someone who has visited Ahmedabad, the stray cattle situation is quite noticeable. Using AI for identification is a modern approach. I'm curious about the data privacy aspects of the owner database and how that information is secured.
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Rohit P
ज़बरदस्त! This is the kind of 'Digital India' application we need to see more of. Solving local issues with cutting-edge tech. Hope the pilot is successful and the model is made open-source so other municipal corporations can benefit too.
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Michael C
The technical details are impressive – deep learning models, RFID tags, and a database of 1.1 lakh cows. It shows serious planning. The key will be in the execution and maintenance of the system over the long term. Tech projects often start well but fade without sustained effort.

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