Ludhiana Residents Demand Transparency on Cow Cess Utilisation as Stray Cattle Menace Escalates
The bustling streets of Ludhiana have transformed into hazardous grazing grounds for stray cattle, causing severe traffic disruptions and raising urgent public safety concerns. Residents are now vocally questioning the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation over the utilisation of crores collected under the cow cess since 2016, with little visible improvement in cattle management.
Daily Chaos and Safety Risks on City Roads
Stray cattle roam freely across Ludhiana's busy intersections and pavements, forcing vehicles ranging from tractors to motorcycles to swerve abruptly or come to a complete halt. This recurring menace has become so pervasive that locals describe it as a second traffic problem, compounding the city's existing congestion issues.
Accidents linked to these animals have been reported throughout Ludhiana, with drivers often losing control while attempting to avoid collisions. Rajinder Singh, a commuter at Jalandhar bypass, expressed his frustration, stating, Every evening, I risk my life driving home. The cows block intersections, and the police just watch helplessly.
Economic Impact and Business Losses
The stray cattle crisis is not only a safety hazard but also an economic burden. Shopkeepers report significant declines in business due to traffic jams caused by the animals. Harpreet Kaur, who operates a store near Gill Road, highlighted the issue, saying, Customers hesitate to stop because of traffic jams caused by cattle. It's hurting business badly.
Unused Funds and Lack of Accountability
Civic records reveal that nearly Rs 20 crore was collected as cow cess between 2016 and 2022, yet minimal expenditure has been directed towards shelters or effective cattle management. Existing gaushalas are overcrowded, and plans for new cow sheds face delays due to departmental hurdles and poor coordination.
Sunita Sharma, a schoolteacher from Civil Lines, voiced the community's anger, asserting, We pay taxes, we pay cess, but the cows are still on the roads. The government must tell us where the money has gone.
Winter Aggravation and Resource Strain
The problem intensifies during winter months as cattle seek warmth on roadways, heightening accident risks. Police resources are further strained, with officers often diverted to manage cattle instead of focusing on core law and order duties.
Residents argue that this issue transcends mere inconvenience, touching on critical aspects of public safety and governmental accountability. One city resident emphasised, With crores lying unused, we demand transparency in fund utilisation and immediate establishment of shelters.
The Ludhiana Municipal Corporation now faces mounting pressure to address these concerns, ensure proper use of cow cess funds, and implement sustainable solutions to mitigate the stray cattle menace effectively.
