Delhi Assembly Speaker refers garbage, stray cattle to MCD Special Committee
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta on Monday, 10 August referred two pressing civic complaints — garbage management and stray cattle on roads — to the Special Committee on MCD, directing the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Commissioner to appear before the panel and submit an Action Taken Report. The move follows concerns raised on the floor of the Delhi Legislative Assembly by elected members.
Garbage Management Under Scrutiny
MLA Anil Goyal raised the garbage issue under Rule 280, flagging garbage-prone points, open dustbins, inadequate waste collection arrangements, and broader sanitation concerns across the city. Speaker Gupta directed the MCD Commissioner to appear before the Committee and respond to these complaints directly.
Gupta emphasised that sanitation and cleanliness remain the core responsibility of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and must be discharged effectively. He also noted that where concessionaires entrusted with waste collection were not performing adequately, their accountability required examination by the Committee.
Stray Cattle Declared 'Alarming' Concern
MLA Harish Khurana drew the Assembly's attention to cattle being repeatedly left on Delhi's roads — including, reportedly, by unauthorised dairy operators after milking. Speaker Gupta observed that freely roaming cattle were contributing to road accidents and serious public inconvenience.
Describing the situation as 'alarming' and worsening by the day, Gupta said the pattern of cattle abandonment suggested the operation of an organised system, calling it a grave concern that required immediate scrutiny. He stressed the need to ensure both the safety of Delhi's citizens and the welfare of the animals.
What the MCD Has Been Asked to Report
Referring the stray cattle matter to the Special Committee, Gupta directed the MCD Commissioner to furnish a detailed report covering the number of gaushalas in Delhi, their available space and capacity, arrangements for accommodating rescued cattle, the procedure followed after cattle are impounded, and action taken against those responsible for leaving animals on public roads.
On garbage, the Corporation has been asked to place before the Committee a clear account of existing arrangements and corrective steps taken to date.
Broader Context
Both issues have long been contentious in Delhi's civic landscape. Stray cattle on arterial roads have been linked to fatal accidents in several parts of the capital, while waste management has remained a persistent flashpoint between the elected government and the civic body. This referral marks a formal legislative push for accountability, with the Special Committee — the MCD's highest decision-making forum — now tasked with comprehensive examination of both concerns.
The Committee's findings and the MCD's responses are expected to shape the next round of Assembly discussions on civic governance in the capital.