Stray animals turn Himachal highways into death traps

Stray animals have become a serious menace on the state’s roads, posing a constant threat to commuters in both rural and urban areas. Over the past five years, 100 accidents involving animal collisions have been reported, resulting in 40 deaths and 50 injuries. Authorities admit that the actual figures could be far higher, as many such accidents go unreported.

In Palampur alone, seven persons have lost their lives in the past two years after being attacked or hit by stray bulls in busy marketplaces. Civic bodies in Kangra district — including Palampur, Baijnath, Nagrota Bagwan and Kangra — have failed to rein in the growing menace, leading to an alarming rise in deadly incidents linked to stray livestock.

The problem is particularly acute on major highways such as Pathankot-Mandi, Palampur-Dharamshala and Palampur-Jaisinghpur, where stray cattle frequently wander onto the roads. Motorists, often driving at high speeds, are forced into sudden braking or swerving when animals appear unexpectedly, leading to serious and sometimes fatal accidents.

Satish Sharma, a local resident, recalled a recent tragedy on the Pathankot-Mandi highway, where four motorcyclists were killed after colliding with black bulls resting unnoticed in the middle of the road at night. “These animals are a constant danger, especially after dark,” he said.

The threat is widespread in areas like Paprola, Baijnath, Paror, Malan, 53 Mile, Nagri, Gopalpur, Maranda, Kalu Di Hatti, Banuri, Ghuggar, Lohana and Aima. Within Palampur town, locations such as Kalibari Temple, Plaza Market and SSB Chowk are notorious for roaming cattle blocking traffic and endangering pedestrians.

Experts and residents alike stress the urgent need for dedicated shelters to house stray animals and keep them off the roads. Equally important is the enforcement of accountability, ensuring that stray animal management is no longer neglected. Without swift action, the combination of speeding vehicles and wandering livestock will continue to claim lives.