In a pivotal ruling on Friday, the Delhi High Court emphasized that cows must be shielded from grazing on toxic waste, asserting the city’s obligation to foster suitable dairy infrastructure for future generations.
The court’s remarks came during the hearing of an application concerning the operation of city dairies. Dairy owners had petitioned to join the legal proceedings and sought interim protection against the demolition of purportedly illegal structures within Bhalswa Dairy.
Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, leading the bench, highlighted the critical need for high-quality milk production in the capital. “We cannot have cows grazing near sanitary landfills. It is unacceptable for them to consume toxic waste. We must think of the health implications, like cancer, which could arise from such practices,” he stated.
The bench, which also includes Justice Manmeet PS Arora, disclosed plans to pass a directive shortly and orally instructed local authorities to earmark land in Ghogha for establishing cattle barracks within the next ten days. This initiative is part of a broader vision to utilize funds for creating a “modern dairy” equipped with additional facilities such as a biogas plant.
“The focus here is on safeguarding the health and welfare of the next generation,” the bench added.
Representing the dairy owners, the senior counsel argued that their clients were legitimate stakeholders in Bhalswa Dairy and were adversely impacted by the court’s relocation order, which threatened both human and animal lives.
Addressing concerns over unauthorized constructions on dairy land, Justice Manmohan pointed out that the land was meant solely for dairy use, criticizing the transformation of some areas into commercial spaces such as air-conditioner showrooms. “Animals are being housed on the first floor of buildings not suited for such use,” he noted.
Despite assurances from the dairy owners’ counsel that cattle were not wandering the streets, the court observed a starkly different reality, citing instances of deceased cattle on the roads.
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This legal scrutiny follows last month’s directive from the court demanding the removal of unauthorized constructions across all dairy colonies in the capital and the rapid relocation of dairies from Bhalswa to the Ghogha Dairy Colony within four weeks.
The state of nine designated dairy colonies in Delhi was described as “bad,” with some being repurposed for commercial activities, including salons, gyms, and internet cafes. This has led to a shift away from their intended agricultural character, with structures up to four stories high now dotting the landscape, the court observed.
