Palampur’s cow sanctuary awaits operational status

The state government spent over Rs 4 crore on constructing a cow sanctuary near Palampur to rehabilitate 100 stray animals. Despite its completion two years ago, the sanctuary remains non-operational due to official bottlenecks and red tape. Acquired during the BJP regime, the project has seemingly been abandoned under the new government. Neglect has left the newly constructed buildings in disrepair, with anti-social elements stealing doors, windows and electrical equipment. Repeated public protests have failed to prompt action.

Stray animals continue to roam markets and highways in Palampur and Kangra district, causing significant public inconvenience and posing serious safety risks. Fatal accidents due to stray animals on highways are on the rise, with six lives lost in the past year alone in areas like Baijnath, Maranda and Bhawarna. Commuters on the Pathankot-Mandi and Palampur-Hamirpur highways are particularly vulnerable, as vehicles traveling at high speeds often fail to spot animals on the road, especially at night.

Kuldeep Sharma, a resident, recounted a recent incident where his car narrowly avoided a collision with a stray cow near Maranda. “Stray animals on the Pathankot-Mandi highway are a major threat to commuters’ safety,” he said.

BJP’s state general secretary Trilok Kapoor criticised the current government for its inaction. He noted that the land for the sanctuary was acquired during the Jai Ram government, but despite its completion, the project remains neglected. Kapoor claims to have written multiple letters to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu without receiving any response.

It’s worth noting that the state government collects Rs 2 per liquor bottle to fund stray animal rehabilitation projects, yet crores of rupees lie unused. Despite this, Kangra district lacks functional cow sanctuaries or stray animal homes, exacerbating the problem.

Urgent action is needed to operationalise the sanctuary and address the escalating stray animal menace, ensuring public safety and proper animal care.