Stray cattle menace continues to plague Nurpur
The growing menace of stray and abandoned animals in the interstate border area of Nurpur has become a major concern for pedestrians, highway users and the farming community. Despite repeated public outcries, the government authorities have taken no concrete steps to address the issue. The state government’s failure to implement effective policies has only exacerbated the problem, causing frequent road accidents and significant damage to farmers’ crops.
Stray cattle, often left without radium reflector belts, can be seen roaming or sitting on highways and major district roads at night. This poses a severe risk to motorists, particularly two-wheeler riders, who struggle to spot them in the dark. Several fatal accidents have occurred over the past few years due to these wandering animals. Experts and social organisations have suggested that tagging animals with radium reflector belts could help reduce night-time road mishaps.
Local NGOs and social organisations have demanded strict action against individuals who abandon their unproductive livestock on roads and in public spaces. They have urged the state government to develop an effective policy to curb the growing menace. Activists argue that the government already collects Re 1 per liquor bottle from contractors to fund cattle shelters, yet little has been done to establish or maintain these facilities.
The Samparpan Association, an NGO active in Kangra and Chamba districts, has called for immediate government intervention to prevent further loss of human lives due to stray animal-related accidents. Its chairperson, Anita Sharma, has appealed to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to direct the animal husbandry department to launch a special drive for tagging stray animals with radium reflector belts. She has also emphasized the need to identify and penalize offenders who abandon their livestock, citing provisions under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Additionally, she proposed involving social organizations, NGOs, and animal welfare groups to tackle the issue effectively.
The problem has persisted despite promises from government officials. In January 2023, Animal Husbandry and Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar, who represents the neighboring Jawali assembly constituency, had announced the introduction of an animal tagging system for domestic livestock. He also vowed to impose strict penalties on those abandoning their unproductive animals and to develop a policy to protect crops from stray and wild animals. However, two years later, no concrete measures have been implemented, and the issue remains unresolved.
Nurpur previously had a single government-run stray cattle shelter home at Khazian, located along the Pathankot-Mandi National Highway. However, two years ago, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) acquired the land for highway expansion, forcing the relocation of the shelter’s animals to other facilities in Kangra district. The municipal council and the animal husbandry department have struggled to control the rising stray animal population due to inadequate funding.
With no concrete government action, the stray animal menace continues to endanger human lives and livelihoods. Urgent steps are needed to enforce penalties on habitual offenders, set up well-funded cattle shelters, and implement measures such as radium tagging to prevent further accidents. The authorities must recognise the gravity of the situation and act before more lives are lost.
