Make cow shelters self-reliant

There has always been a need to find a practical way out for the burgeoning stray cattle population, which is a constant threat for commuters, besides being themselves the victim of public wrath. The decision of the state government to rehabilitate the stray cattle in animal shelters to be managed by Cattle Welfare Society, to be formed by the Animal Husbandry Department in each district, is laudable.

The daily exorbitant cost of feeding 2,000 cows in a shelter may land this project in doldrums. For smooth working of cow shelters, it is imperative to make these self sufficient. This can be done using cow dung and urine for preparation of organic manure, ayurvedic medicines, pesticides and biogas etc. These products will fetch money sufficient to maintain these cattle shelters.

Dr Soshil Rattan, Amritsar

No check on overloading

Officials of the Police and District Transport Office have miserably failed to keep a check on overloading of commercial vehicles. Overloading with impunity is not possible without the connivance of officials concerned, who just turn a blind eye toward vehicles violating the norms.

It is an open invitation to mishaps. Officials must also share the blame for accidents as their palms are greased for letting off drivers. The higher authorities must strictly instruct traffic control officials to take overloading offence seriously. In case of a mishap, official (s) of the area concerned must be held responsible. A centralised helpline should be available for the public, who may inform about registration number of a vehicle violating the law. Electronics surveillance should be used.

Prakas Hanspaul, Amritsar