Sirsa 2025: New hopes, development, and challenge of stray animals
The year 2025 has started with new hopes for the people of Sirsa. Many long-awaited demands in health, education, development and transportation are expected to be fulfilled this year. Several projects by the Municipal Council are also in the pipeline, and if approved, work may begin soon. However, the biggest problem in the district remains stray animals. The district administration and local MLA have promised to make Sirsa "stray-animal free" by March, which could bring relief to the people.
Medical college and health improvements
In 2024, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini started the construction of a medical college in Sirsa, costing Rs 1, 010 crore. In 2025, the first phase will see the construction of hospital, administrative block and teaching block. A special cancer treatment centre will also be built at a cost of Rs 5.5 crore. The project will improve healthcare facilities in Sirsa and surrounding areas.
Traffic and jam issues to be solved
The mini bypass near Chattargarh Patti railway crossing often gets blocked 15 to 20 times a day, causing traffic jams. To solve the problem, an overbridge will be constructed in 2025, costing Rs 20 crore. The tender process is expected to begin in February.
Water supply and sewer projects
Work is under way to increase the capacity of the Chattargarh Patti water supply and a new main waterline is being laid along Dabwali Road. Once completed, 70 per cent of the city will receive clean drinking water, especially during summer months. Moreover, the construction of an underpass at the Old Court Road railway gate is also expected to start by June 2025.
New markets and shifting of mandis
The Municipal Council is working on shifting the vegetable, fruit, and grain markets outside the city. The first phase of the project, which includes constructing a boundary wall, is already under way. It is expected that by the end of 2025, the markets will be fully shifted, benefiting traders and consumers.
Improved roads and railways
The construction of an overbridge on the Ghaggar River bridge near Khairekan village will reduce accidents and traffic congestion, especially for people travelling from Hisar to Sirsa or Dabwali. Additionally, work on Sirsa railway station is almost complete, with 90 per cent of the beautification work done. A third platform and escalators will be added by 2025.
Better electricity supply
To improve the power supply in Sirsa, a project worth Rs 54 crore is being carried out, which includes laying new cables, installing new poles, and replacing old transformers. This work is expected to be completed in 2025 and will reduce power cuts, especially in the summer.
20 new buses likely to join fleet
Sirsa’s bus depot is facing a shortage of buses, leading to fewer bus services on many routes. However, 20 new buses are expected to be added in 2025, which will improve long-distance bus services.
Problems of stray animals
The big question in Sirsa is when will the city finally be free of stray animals? The Municipal Council officials and local MLA Gokul Setia are working to remove stray animals from the city. A special team has been called from Hisar to help, and gaushalas (cow shelters) are also cooperating with the authorities. They have promised that by March, Sirsa will be "stray-animal free." However, the residents are not fully trusting this claim. This is because similar promises have been made in the past, but the situation has not changed.
Currently, there are more than 2,000 stray animals roaming the streets and lanes of Sirsa, causing accidents almost every day. Recently, accidents involving stray animals have been increasing, and some of these accidents have even led to deaths. According to the Haryana Gau Sewa Ayog, Sirsa district has the highest number of stray animals 59,052 who are kept in various gaushalas across the district. However, this number only includes the animals in the shelters, and no one knows the exact number of stray animals still wandering the streets. It is estimated that there are as many stray animals on the streets as there are in the shelters.
Despite Sirsa having the highest number of gaushalas in the entire state 141 in total, animals are still roaming on roads in large numbers. The biggest gaushala in the district is in the village of Shri Gaushala, located in Sirsa city, where 2,575 stray animals are being kept. The district has also received the largest grants for cow shelters. In 2023-2024 alone, Rs 12,92,37,800 has been given to these shelters in three installments.
Despite spending so much money, the number of stray animals on the streets of Sirsa is not decreasing. This is causing frustration among the residents, as the problem seems to be getting worse.
