Cow’s Nose to Reveal Owner’s Identity: Ahmedabad to Deploy AI-Based Cattle Tracking Ahead of Commonwealth Games

As Ahmedabad gears up for major international sporting events, including its bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympic Games, the city is turning to cutting-edge technology to address one of its most persistent civic challenges—stray cattle on roads.

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is set to implement an artificial intelligence–based system that will identify cows and trace their owners using the unique biometric patterns of a cow’s nose. Much like human fingerprints, a cow’s nose has a distinct design, making it a reliable identifier.

Under the proposed system, AI-enabled CCTV cameras installed across the city will scan the face of a cow as soon as it appears in camera range. The deep learning model will analyze key biometric markers, including the nose pattern, eyes, facial structure, and visible marks or scars. This data will then be matched in real time with AMC’s existing database to instantly identify the animal and its registered owner.

The project has gained momentum following the establishment of an AI Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar under the direction of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Acting on government instructions, AMC has launched a pilot project aimed at creating a faster, more efficient alternative to the current manual system, which relies on RFID tags and microchips and is both time-consuming and resource-intensive.

At present, Ahmedabad has more than 1.1 lakh cows registered with RFID tags and microchips, with their data securely maintained by the municipal corporation. CCTV cameras at nearly 130 major junctions already capture images of stray cattle, but owner identification often requires manual verification. The proposed AI solution is expected to significantly reduce response time and operational costs.

The AI model is being developed by an agency associated with the AI Centre of Excellence at GIFT City, Gandhinagar. The agency has submitted preliminary recommendations and is expected to present the finalized model to the project’s steering committee soon.

If successfully implemented, the system could play a crucial role in reducing traffic disruptions and accidents caused by stray cattle, enhancing public safety, and strengthening data-driven urban governance. Officials believe the initiative will set a national benchmark in the use of artificial intelligence for civic management, especially as Ahmedabad prepares itself for global sporting events.