Stray cows roam on city roads, locals demand accountability

Even as cow cess is being charged on electricity, liquor and vehicles, hoards of stray cattle can still be seen roaming city roads. Apart from being a hurdle in the smooth flow of traffic, stray cattle also lead to road accidents, especially during foggy winter months when visibility remains low. Stray animals roaming freely on roads pose a major safety hazard for commuters and pedestrians alike.

Residents complain that despite crores of rupees being collected in the name of cow welfare, there is little sign of effective management of stray animals. Residents complain that the menace has only worsened with time, while civic body authorities continue to turn a blind eye.

“Ours is a country in which cows are revered and worshipped, but, in reality, they are neglected,” expressed Krishen Dev, a local resident. He says that many cattle herders abandon male calves and old cows that no longer produce milk.

Residents say that in the absence of an effective policy, these hapless animals are left to fend for themselves on streets, where they wander in search of food and shelter. As a result, they block busy roads, causing frequent traffic jams and leading to tragic accidents. Every year, several people lose their lives or suffer lifelong disabilities due to collisions with stray cattle, while many animals also die or get injured in such mishaps.

The problem extends to rural areas as well. “Stray and abandoned cattle often damage standing crops while feeding, causing heavy losses to farmers. This not only affects their income but also leads to disputes between neighbouring farmers,” complained a farmer Harnam Singh.

Locals from Jandiala Guru and nearby villages often capture animals found in their fields and release them near the grain market early in the morning.

At the Jandiala Guru grain market, large herds of stray animals can be seen roaming throughout the day. They survive by eating leftover vegetables and spilled grains, painting a grim picture of neglect and administrative failure. In the city, a large number of stray cattle can be seen in different areas.