Residents want bull run on roads to come to an end

Gurdeep Singh Mann

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Tribune News Service

Bathinda, December 6

A day after the outrageous bullfight in Parasram Nagar, city residents are seeking compensation and have held the Punjab Government responsible for the stray animal menace. They demand a solution to the problem posed by killer bulls.

It is not the holy cow, which has gripped the people’s mind with terror, but American bulls, the residents said. They pointed out that something should be done to tame these bulls.

“Someone has to bell the cat or else it will be too late as government’s claim to shift all the animals to cowsheds is still a far cry,” said Manvinder Sekhon, a recent victim of bull-fight.

Even after five years, nothing has been done so far despite the death of over two dozen people in the past just one and a half years due to involvement of stray animals in road accidents.

“Keep aside the issue of shifting these animals, the government doesn’t even have the exact data of such animals. An estimated number of stray cattle is around 3,000,” said Sukhdarshan Singh, a school teacher.

He pointed out that though the issue concerned everyone, nobody was concerned. “When I go and meet some senior government servant or politician, they talk about such issues while sipping tea in their cosy offices but never dare to open their mouth publically or take the initiative to do something,” said another Makhan Lal, a retired teacher.

Parasram Nagar residents said last year, they witnessed three deaths due to stray animals, which took place within their locality.

Those who lost their lives include two elderly women, who were on foot and a man who was hit while riding a bike.

“The holy cows on roads are quite less as compared to the American bulls and people offer green fodder to these animals at the roundabouts and different road curves, which actually poses serious risk to the people,” said Manohar Lal.

Farmers and villagers in rural areas are contributing their bit in increasing the population of the stray cattle by loading such animals in trolleys and shift them to urban areas.

Mayor Balwant Rai Nath and Bathinda MLA Sarup Chand Singla said the government was seriously planning to do something over the issue and the problem would be resolved at the earliest.

Problem aggravated

“The issue of stray animals on city roads has now assumed alarming proportions and every day we see stray animals killing and seriously injuring a large number of people. These animals should at least be removed from the residential areas and main roads to bring some respite to the people.”

Brij Mehta

Nuisance in life

“Stray animals have become a nuisance in our daily life. My family members always ask me to keep the eyes open and be alert to such animals while driving. I have friends, colleagues and relatives who have already borne the brunt of such animals.”

Surinder Kumar

Permanent solution

“The situation is quite pathetic as stray bulls create chaos, damage parked vehicles and indulge in fighting to create panic. The government should either shift them immediately or find some other permanent solution for the problem.”

Amarjeet Singh

Deadly menace

“This is a burning issue in the city concerning everyone and must be dealt with an iron hand to immediately curb the menace. A policy should be formed by the state government so that people may get some respite from the deadly menace.”

Karam Singh