Drive to catch stray cattle lies suspended

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, January 20

The drive to catch stray cattle has been lying defunct as the Municipal Corporation (MC), Bathinda, is not getting space to keep stray cattle in the district.

The lackadaisical attitude of the civic authorities has failed to provide any relief to city residents from stray cattle as reports of accidents caused by them are on the rise.

Stray cattle, roaming around freely in streets, have become a serious problem in the city. The situation becomes worse at night as it becomes difficult for commuters to spot stray animals in the darkness. 

Several persons have lost their lives and many others have injured in accidents took place due to stray cattle. Herds of cows can be spotted on various roads and inner parts of the city.

Mayor Balwant Rai Nath said the MC was ready to give money for their diet, but there is no space available to keep the stray cattle. They also said they were working to resolve this problem as it is a serious issue, but they are not getting enough space where they can keep cattle. 

Around 600 stray cattle have been sent to Harraipur cattle pound and 500 have been sent to Dera Rumi, Bucho. We are trying our best to rid the residents of this problem. 

Moreover, the Municipal Corporation was the first civic body in the state to have imposed cow cess with an aim to check the problem. The MC even had collected huge amount as cow cess, but still it has failed to resolve this problem.