MC fails to rid Ludhiana roads of stray cattle menace

Harshraj Singh

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 24

Hundreds of stray cattle are still roaming on city roads as the civic body is yet to ensure shifting of these animals to a safe place despite collecting crores of rupees as cow cess every year.

A number of fatal mishaps had already taken place due to stray cattle on roads but required measures are yet to be taken to avert such mishaps.

According to sources, the number of stray cattle are increasing in city areas. However, the MC has not conducted any fresh survey to count the numbers of stray cattle roaming in areas under its jurisdiction.

A large number of stay cattle are seen near Jalandhar Bypass, Sabji Mandi, Hambran Road, Tajpur Road, dairy complexes, Chandigarh Road and other areas of the city. Besides, the cattle are generally seen at or near uncovered garbage dumps.

At present, the MC is not shifting the stray cattle from the roads to any gaushala. In 2018, it had purchased a cattle-lifting van at a cost of over Rs 22 lakh. But, it is not being used for the purpose these days. It was said four or five cattle can be shifted through the vehicle.

According to officials, a cowshed, at an estimated cost of around Rs 27 lakh, is being constructed at Burj Pawat village, near Macchiwara. Once the cowshed gets ready, MC would shift the cattle there from the roads.

However, only around 150 stray cattle can be shifted to the cowshed as per information given by an official. The civic body is yet to make a concrete plan for shifting of the remaining stray cattle.

Gaganpreet Singh, a resident, said: “Several accidents are taking place on city roads due to the stray cattle. Besides, bulls have also attacked some persons in the city. The cattle which get injured in mishaps are also ignored and they could be seen roaming with open wounds. It is the responsibility of the MC to ensure their shifting from city areas to a safer place.”

MC senior veterinary officer YP Singh said the cowshed was being constructed at Burj Pawat village and the stray cattle would be shifted there once the shed gets ready.

Mayor Balkar Singh Sandhu said they would take required steps to ensure the shifting of the stray cattle from city areas at the earliest.

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