Bhubaneswar: BMC had launched a special drive to remove stray cattle and dogs from the route that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his entourage took on Sunday during his visit to Bhubaneswar.BMC teams, including cattle catchers and dog-catching squads, were deployed at key locations along the route, particularly between Jayadev Vihar and Biju Patnaik International Airport, as well as stretches of National Highway-16. Civic officials maintained a constant vigil to prevent stray animals from entering the road and causing disruptions during the PM’s transit.BMC’s additional commissioner Kailash Chandra Dash said around 50 stray cattle found along the route were caught and shifted to the Jamukoli shelter, while an equal number of stray dogs were relocated to kennels. “Our teams were stationed at strategic locations to drive away cattle from the roads. Since there was a possibility that the animals could return and obstruct traffic, they have been moved to designated shelters,” Dash added.BMC’s animal birth control programme in-charge, Debi Prasad Kund, said the relocated cattle would not be released back onto city roads. “The animals will be cared for at the goshala (cow shelters) as per standard protocols. Proper arrangements have been made for their food, shelter and healthcare,” he said.The civic body’s action comes against the backdrop of a persistent stray cattle problem in the state capital. Stray cattle are often seen occupying central road dividers and busy thoroughfares, frequently leading to traffic congestion. Motorists often have to step off their vehicles to clear the roads, while minor accidents involving cattle and vehicles are reported regularly. The shortage of fodder and food sources also pushes many animals towards garbage dumps where they search for leftovers.