Avoid throwing food on roads, CM urges residents

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday appealed to residents to stop throwing food on roads and urged them to feed animals in a responsible and respectful manner.

During an inspection in the city, the CM spotted a man tossing a chapati onto the road, presumably to feed stray cows.

“I saw someone throwing chapatis on the road, possibly to feed stray animals. I stopped my car and gently asked him not to do it again,” Gupta said, recalling the incident. She said while feeding animals is a compassionate act, it must be done thoughtfully and in designated places like animal shelters or gaushalas.

The Chief Minister emphasised that chapati is not just food but a symbol of tradition, culture and respect in Indian households. “Throwing it on the road disrespects this symbol and creates a dangerous situation for both animals and people. Stray cows and other animals get attracted to food on roads, which can disrupt traffic and lead to accidents,” she explained.

Gupta’s message comes amid rising concerns about food waste and its environmental and social implications. According to the Food Waste Index Report 2024 published by the United Nations Environment Programme, India generates approximately 78.2 million tonnes of food waste annually, with households contributing an average of 55 kg per person each year.

“Feeding animals is a noble act, but we must do it in a way that aligns with our civic duties and cultural values,” Gupta said. She called upon all residents to act responsibly and ensure that their actions do not endanger others or disrespect food.

The Chief Minister’s intervention has sparked a broader conversation about urban animal care, public hygiene and cultural value of food, with many citizens voicing support for designated feeding zones and better waste management practices.

Delhi