Amritsar, Aprill 20: The persistent presence of stray cattle on the streets of Amritsar continues to compromise local traffic safety and the city’s green initiatives, despite long-standing administrative efforts to relocate livestock. While the city shifted over 100 dairies to a dedicated complex nearly three decades ago, roaming cows and oxen remain a common sight in urban green belts and main thoroughfares.
Local resident Harpinder Singh Walia stated that the animals are causing significant damage to newly planted saplings and public roundabouts. He declared that the situation is alarming given the substantial investment made by the civic body to enhance the city’s aesthetics for the thousands of tourists who visit daily.
“Stray cattle are posing a threat to greenery, including newly planted saplings along roads,” Walia maintained. He asserted that the current state of affairs is frustrating for residents who see public property being destroyed and human lives put at risk by the unchecked movement of herds.
Beyond environmental damage, commuters affirmed that the animals create severe road hazards. Resident Balram Kumar noted that after grazing in parks, cattle frequently congregate on the roads, leading to congestion and frequent accidents. He asserted that the lack of effective management persists even though the state government collects a dedicated cow cess from citizens intended for livestock welfare.
“The levy has been in place for years, but it has not yielded the desired results,” Kumar declared. He maintained that the administration must move beyond discussions and take concrete steps to secure the streets.
Amritsar Municipal Corporation officials affirmed that they are in active negotiations with remaining dairy owners to facilitate a complete relocation. They stated that field officers will be directed to prioritize shifting roaming animals to designated shelters to alleviate the pressure on the city’s infrastructure.
