Sambalpur: Cattle Chaos on Sambalpur Roads; Municipal Corporation to Fine Negligent Owners
Sambalpur: Sambalpur’s roads have become a cattle grazing ground, causing significant inconvenience for residents. Cows and bulls are frequently seen on both major roads and narrow lanes, causing traffic disruptions and accidents. Despite repeated complaints, the administration has not taken decisive action, leaving citizens dissatisfied. To address this issue, the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) has decided to fine the owners of these stray cattle.
Owners Abandoning Cattle on Roads
Many cattle owners in Sambalpur abandon their cows on the streets when they stop producing milk. These stray animals then roam around, causing traffic congestion and endangering both themselves and motorists. Although the SMC had previously closed several government-run cattle pounds in the area, the lack of adequate shelters has made it difficult to prosecute these negligent owners.
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Affected Areas and Accidents
The issue is especially severe in Ainthapali-Baraipali-Remed, Panchgachhia-Danipali-Khetrajpur, Kacheri Chowk-Jharsuguda Chowk-Dhanupali, and Dhanupali-Bhatra Road. In these areas, cattle frequently sit or roam on the roads, resulting in accidents that injure both people and animals.
SMC’s Plan of Action
Following multiple complaints, SMC Commissioner Bedabhushan has taken steps to address the problem. Stray cattle are rounded up and moved to shelters such as Hari Gaushala and Shri Krishna Gaushala via the District Chief Livestock Officer’s office. Notably, the Shri Krishna Gaushala, previously located in Badbazar, has been relocated to Mundoghat. Additionally, the SMC intends to reactivate some cattle pounds in areas such as Burla, Durgapali, and Dhanakauda, particularly during the monsoon season, when the number of stray cattle increases.
Fines for Negligent Owners
Cattle owners will be identified by the tags on their animals, and those who abandon their cows on the streets will face fines. The administration is also looking into relocating these animals to willing farmers or housing them in shelters. Manoranjan Babu, President of the Arya Samaj, emphasized the importance of responsible cattle care, noting that some people keep cows but do not provide adequate shelter. Once the cows have stopped producing milk, they are left to wander the streets. To address this issue, Babu suggested that fines be imposed on negligent owners and that the administration ensure that the cows are either given to interested farmers or placed in shelters.
