Stray animals, particularly cattle and dogs, have emerged as one of the most emotive and politically sensitive issues in the ongoing campaigning for the Palampur Municipal Corporation (MC) elections. From busy market roads to residential colonies and highways, the unchecked movement of stray animals has become a daily concern for commuters, shopkeepers, schoolchildren and senior citizens.
The stray cattle roam freely on key roads in Palampur, posing a serious threat to motorists, especially during night hours and in the monsoon season. Residents have repeatedly blamed poor coordination between the Municipal Corporation, the district administration and the Animal Husbandry Department for the worsening situation.
Till date seven persons have lost their lives because of stray animals. Four were killed in different parts of town by bulls when they were moving in the market.
The issue has now become a major poll plank for both the BJP and the Congress, with leaders blaming each other for failing to control the menace. BJP leader Vipin Singh Parmar recently alleged that the Congress-led civic body had failed to tackle the growing stray cattle problem in Palampur and the adjoining areas in past five years despite the fact that seven deaths had been reported because of stray cattle in the town and on highways. He claimed that the menace had created panic among residents and even led to fatal accidents.
Following public pressure political parties are now promising shelters, sterilisation drives and stricter enforcement measures if voted to power. Besides, the stray animal management has become a key urban issue with parties promising setting up of gaushalas if voted to power.
Apart from safety concerns, the stray cattle issue has also affected Palampur’s image as a tourist and educational town. Shopkeepers complain that cattle frequently damage roadside vegetable stalls and spread garbage scattered from waste dumps. Residents argue that despite crores being spent annually on sanitation and civic management, stray animals continue to roam freely on roads and in public spaces.
The Municipal Corporation elections scheduled this month are witnessing intense debate around basic civic governance rather than only political ideology. Roads, sanitation, drainage, parking and stray animal control have together become decisive factors influencing voters across wards of the town.
