Stray cattle nightmare for commuters in Ambala

Tribune News Service

Nitish Sharma

Ambala, January 22

Ambala Sadar continues to grapple with the stray cattle menace as a large number of cattle can be seen roaming on roads, making it difficult for commuters to pass through the stretches.

The Sadar area was declared stray cattle-free in September 2017. However, soon after that, cattle were seen on the roads. A large number of dairies being run in the gwal mandis here is also a reason behind the increase in number of cattle here.

Being fastened with reflector belts

In view of the foggy conditions, the stray cattle are being fastened with reflector belts. Some long-term plans are also in place. All efforts are being made to ensure road safety. Lakshit Sareen, SDM, Ambala cantonment

Ravi Kumar, a local resident, said, “The cattle can be seen in the residential areas, bus stand and market areas. At times, bulls start fighting in the middle of the road, making it difficult for people to pass by. Besides, some people also abandon their cattle on roads after they stop giving milk. The Municipal Council should take strict action against them.”

“The stray cattle are often seen on the Ambala-Saha road (a section of the National Highway-444 A) and on many internal roads as well. Sometimes, they come on the road all of a sudden, jeopardising the lives of commuters. The situation gets worse during foggy conditions,” said Sharad Sharma, a resident.

Onkar Singh, INLD spokesman and local resident, said, “The government claims to take care of cattle, but the situation is completely different on ground. Amid cold weather conditions, the cattle were roaming on roads, foraging in heaps of garbage and no efforts were made by the government to protect them. Despite spending crores of rupees, the cattle are still on the roads. This is a matter of great shame and concern. ” MC Secretary Rajesh Kumar said, “We are discussing the matter with gaushala operators to move these stray cattle. The people who abandon their cattle on roads will have to face penalty.”

Meanwhile, Ambala Cantonment SDM Lakshit Sareen said, “In view of the foggy conditions, the stray cattle are being fastened with reflector belts. Some long-term plans are also in place. All efforts are being made to ensure road safety.”

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