Cows in Amreli can't poop more than 3 kg a day

In a bizarre bid to oppose demonetisation, a local body in Gujarat has issued an order banning cattle from producing droppings beyond 3 kg/day.

The order issued by Amreli municipality states: “Henceforth, adult cattle would be allowed to produce droppings no more than 3 kg per day, while calves can produce droppings up to a kg per day. Stray cattle would also be required to use designated areas. If found guilty, action would be initiated as per the rules.” The municipality in this town with 1.4 lakh population is ruled by the Congress, which has 35 of 44 members in the local body.

Congress MLA from Amreli, Paresh Dhanani, said: “Several steps were initiated to get rid of the nuisance of stray cattle in the town, but it failed to yield proper results. So the governing body has passed this resolution.”

Dhanani added: “I asked them (municipal authorities) about the resolution. They said if by banning Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes black money can be wiped out, then a ban on droppings would help clean the town.”

Parroting the rationale given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in support of demonetisation on the night of November 8, the order states: “In support of Swachh Bharat, Swasth Bharat (Clean India, Healthy India) mission initiated by the government, and to get rid of clutter due to stray cattle, we at Amreli municipality are seeking to bring about a unique way of promoting the mission in letter and spirit.”

The new rule, as was the case with demonetisation, surprisingly came into effect on the midnight of the very day it was announced, in this case December 1.

A flying squad!

And to implement the order, the local body even plans to have a separate “flying squad” that would weigh the droppings.

“Detailed rules for implementation would be formulated based on suggestions from the citizens in the days ahead,” states the order, echoing the statements made by Modi.

And the punishment, too, is harsh and equally bizarre. The owners of the cattle not following the order would be paraded on a donkey facing backwards.

When asked whether the order is legal, Dhanani, in a tone taunting the prime minister, said: “Only anti-national elements who indulge in spreading muck and filth are opposing this move. We have support of 95% of the locals.”