Patna: The Road Construction Department has set up patrol teams across the state to tackle the growing problem of stray dogs and other animals on city roads, following directions from the Supreme Court to curb road accidents linked to roaming animals.
Officials said a team has been constituted in each division to monitor national highways, state highways and major district roads. The patrols will identify areas where stray animals frequently gather and coordinate with municipal bodies or district administrations to ensure the animals are relocated to shelters.
According to department sources, the Supreme Court recently instructed states to take steps to reduce accidents caused by stray dogs and other animals. In response, executive engineers have been made responsible for overseeing the identification and removal of animals from busy roads. Helplines are also expected to be launched to enable residents to report sightings of stray animals on highways and arterial routes.
Members of the patrol teams will carry out regular inspections and alert the relevant civic authorities to arrange for the safe capture and transfer of animals. The department said the initiative is aimed at preventing collisions, particularly on high-speed corridors where sudden appearances of animals can lead to serious crashes.
The move forms part of a broader road safety strategy. The department said it is conducting regular safety audits and identifying accident “black spots” for urgent repairs. Junction upgrades, traffic-calming measures at accident-prone locations, improved road signage and markings, zebra crossings, speed limit indicators and rumble strips are being incorporated under ongoing operation, maintenance and road management contracts.
Officials added that accident-prone locations listed in the Integrated Road Accident Database are being addressed through targeted road safety engineering interventions, as the state seeks to bring down fatalities and injuries on its roads.
