The Gujarat government has announced plans to implement an artificial intelligence based pilot project in Ahmedabad to address the growing issue of stray cattle in urban areas. The initiative forms part of the state’s broader smart city strategy aimed at improving public safety, traffic management, and municipal services.
The project is being developed under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and coordinated through the AI Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar. Officials stated that the system will first be introduced within the jurisdiction of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation as a pilot initiative before potential expansion to other cities.
Under the proposed model, CCTV cameras installed across the city will be integrated with advanced AI software capable of identifying stray cattle in real time. The system will analyze unique facial characteristics of cattle, including nose patterns, eye structure, and distinct facial markings. These features will then be matched with data stored in the municipal database to determine ownership details.
Authorities have confirmed that nearly 1.1 lakh cows in Ahmedabad have already been fitted with Radio Frequency Identification tags and microchips. The data linked to these identification tags is securely maintained by the municipal corporation. Once the AI system detects a stray animal at a traffic junction or public road, it will instantly scan and compare the captured image with the stored database using deep learning algorithms.
Ahmedabad has an extensive surveillance network comprising 126 smart cameras and more than 7,000 CCTV cameras installed at major intersections and public areas. The integration of this infrastructure with AI technology is expected to improve monitoring efficiency and enable faster response by civic authorities.
Officials believe that stray cattle on roads contribute to traffic congestion and increase the risk of accidents, particularly during peak hours. By identifying animals and tracing their owners quickly, the administration aims to enforce regulations more effectively and encourage responsible cattle management.
Urban development authorities have emphasized that the project is part of a larger push to modernize municipal services through technology driven solutions. The AI Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar is also working on other digital governance initiatives designed to enhance service delivery and data driven decision making.
If successful, the pilot project could serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges. Authorities expect that the AI based monitoring system will not only improve road safety but also strengthen public confidence in civic administration.
The state government has indicated that regular assessments will be conducted to evaluate the system’s effectiveness before considering wider implementation across Gujarat.
