Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday appealed to citizens to avoid throwing food, especially roti, on roads and urged them to feed animals responsibly to help keep streets safe and avoid traffic disruption.
During an inspection in the city, she witnessed a man tossing a ‘chapati’ from his car, presumably to feed a cow. She stopped her car and requested him that this act not only endangers animal lives but also compromises road safety.
“I saw someone throwing chapatis on the road, possibly to feed stray cows. I stopped and gently asked him not to do that again,” she said. CM Gupta emphasised that ‘chapati’ is more than just food, it’s a symbol of tradition and respect in Indian culture. “Throwing it on the road not only disrespects the food but also puts both animals and people at risk,” she added. “If you wish to feed animals, please do so at designated shelters or goshalas. This reflects our compassion, responsibility, and cultural values,” she said.
The chief minister said that stray cows and other animals are drawn to roads in search of food, which can cause traffic disruption and increase the risk of accidents.
Taking to the social media platform X, she emphasised that roti holds cultural and spiritual significance, and disrespecting it by throwing it on roads is unacceptable. The chief minister suggested feeding animals at designated places like gaushalas, promoting responsible behavior.
Delhi CM appealed to Delhi residents to refrain from throwing food on roads and instead feed animals lovingly but res ponsibly. “While traveling in the capital today, I saw a man throw bread from his car onto the road - presumably to feed a cow. I stopped the car and requested the man to please not do it again. Roti is not just food for us, it is a symbol of our culture, faith and respect. Throwing roti 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. 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 wrote on X.
