In a moment that highlights the risks of mixing tradition with chaotic urban life, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta recently spotted a man tossing a roti to a cow in the middle of a congested road. The act, though rooted in compassion and cultural respect, prompted the CM to issue a public appeal for more responsible and safer feeding practices.

आज राजधानी में भ्रमण के दौरान, मैंने देखा कि एक व्यक्ति ने अपनी कार से रोटी सड़क पर फेंकी- संभवतः गाय को खिलाने के उद्देश्य से। मैंने गाड़ी रुकवाई और उस व्यक्ति से आग्रह किया कि कृपया ऐसा दोबारा न करें।
रोटी हमारे लिए केवल भोजन नहीं है, वह हमारी संस्कृति, श्रद्धा और सम्मान का… pic.twitter.com/PS0bYmOBG6

— Rekha Gupta (@gupta_rekha) April 12, 2025

"Feeding cows is a noble deed, but doing it on the road forces cows and other animals to come there to eat, which not only endangers their lives but also endangers the safety of people and vehicles walking on the road," Ms. Gupta tweeted. Gupta said while recounting the incident. She emphasized that while cultural traditions are to be valued, they must also evolve to fit the context of an increasingly fast-paced and motor-heavy capital.

The person's action of throwing the roti onto the street to feed a cow appeared innocent yet presented a substantial risk for a traffic accident to occur. Traffic accidents involving cows generate unexpected conditions that harm both animals and drivers in motion.

Gupta used the moment to reinforce the importance of using designated shelters, known as gaushalas, for such activities. "Food should not be disrespected. If you want to feed animals, please do so at a Gaushala or a designated place. This is a sign of our sensitivity, responsibility, and values," she stated.

The Chief Minister has long been a vocal advocate for animal welfare and urban safety. Under her leadership, the government has also begun initiatives to revamp gaushalas and open new ones in areas in need. The government has partnered with municipal authorities and animal welfare NGOs to take stray cattle off the road and into shelters.

She further appealed to all Delhiites, "Do not throw roti or any food on the road. Feed animals lovingly but responsibly. Respect your culture and keep your roads safe."

The response from the public has generally been positive. Many citizens thanked her for shining a light on a universal but neglected issue. Social media users expressed their backing through stories about personal experiences as they demanded restful and compassionate solutions.

The overall message is simple: respect for animals and safety should go hand in hand. In many Indian homes, feeding cows is a common tradition of faith and is even often treated as a spiritual offering. But with the increase in urban congestion and stray animal incidents, there's a growing need to revisit how these practices are carried out.

CM Gupta has also promised to increase awareness campaigns across the city, encouraging residents to contribute to animal welfare in more structured and thoughtful ways. An allocation of INR 40 crore has also been made for setting up a 'Model Gaushala' (modern cow shelter) in Delhi's annual budget.