Stray cattle continue to pose risk to commuters in Sirsa

Despite the administration’s promises to rid the city of stray cattle, herds of abandoned animals can be seen roaming the streets. This poses a significant risk to commuters, especially at night, when accidents become even more likely.

In 2023, around 2,000 stray cattle were sent to shelters, thanks to efforts by the city council and the government. However, a large number of animals still remain on main roads and streets.

The problem can aggravate further during the approaching winter as the presence of stray cattle amid fog could prove deadly for motorists.

The government is said to be working on a new policy to curb the stray cattle menace. The local administration too seems to be waiting for this policy before taking any concrete action. But, the authorities plan to continue working under the old guidelines until the new policy is implemented.

The lack of cooperation by cattle shelters has emerged as one of the major challenges in combating the problem. Last year, a contractor was hired to manage stray cattle. But after three months, the shelters stopped accepting animals, leaving the contractor idle for nine months.

Despite repeated requests to government officials, nothing was done to resolve this issue. Besides, there is no government-owned cattle shelter in the city where these animals can be kept.

A local resident, Gurkirat Singh, said the problem was particularly severe on VIP roads like Rania Road, where many dairies are located. The cattle from these dairies are often tied up in the middle of roads, which blocks the traffic.

He said, both former and current legislators are aware of the situation, but no steps have been taken to address it, not even efforts to educate the dairy owners.

A ‘dairy-shifting project’ aimed at moving dairy farms out of the populated areas was launched in the city. However, this project has been abandoned, and there has been no efforts from officials or politicians to revive it. This project could have significantly reduced the problem of stray cattle.

Notably, every year, at least three to four persons die in road accidents involving stray cattle, while hundreds are left injured in similar mishaps.

Need for govt shelter

• The lack of cooperation by cattle shelters has emerged as one of the key challenges in combating the problem of stray cattle.
• A contractor was hired to manage stray cattle last year.
• But after three months, the shelters stopped accepting animals, leaving the contractor idle for nine months.
• Besides, there is no government-owned cattle shelter in the city, where these animals can be kept.