Drivers dread stray cattle at busy Sahnewal Chowk

Lovleen Bains

Sahnewal, April 27

Sahnewal Chowk, one of the busiest spots in the city, has become prone to accidents, thanks to the acute problem of stray cattle. Compliance of traffic rules can be expected from drivers who cross the chowk but what about the cattle which abruptly come on the road.

The Municipal Council authorities have been repeatedly informed about the problem by the residents, but to no avail.

“The other day, as I was about to cross the chowk, a buffalo suddenly appeared in front of my car. As I was caught unawares, I applied sudden brakes. Before I could think of anything else, the buffalo hit the bumper of my car. The drivers following me too had to brake hard to avoid a collision. The harrowing seen is still like a nightmare for me,” shared a resident of Sahnewal.

“On one hand the police show zero tolerance as far as the obstruction of smooth flow of traffic at the chowk is concerned, but on the other, stray animals often create a traffic mess at the chowk. Stray animals that abruptly come on the road may not only cause damage to a vehicle but also its occupants and those following it,” said another commuter.

Executive Officer of Sahnewal Vikram Kumar initially denied having seen any stray cattle at Sahnewal Chowk. When this correspondent apprised him with the gravity of the situation, he said there was a single animal catcher in Ludhiana who was not allowed to move out of the city. The council was trying to get in touch with the one in Patiala and would try to hire his services.”