Stray Cattle Forced to Scavenge on Garbage Dumps, Cows Facing Fatalities Due to Plastic Consumption — Administration Must Act Immediately : Rajbir Singh Bhartiya, Punit Mahajan, Narendra Jaitak

Stray Cattle Forced to Scavenge on Garbage Dumps, Cows Facing Fatalities Due to Plastic Consumption — Administration Must Act Immediately : Rajbir Singh Bhartiya, Punit Mahajan, Narendra Jaitak

​Manimajra/Chandigarh 15 June ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) :  The deplorable condition of cows and stray cattle in Chandigarh has once again become a matter of grave concern. Across various areas of the city, cows and other stray cattle are frequently seen foraging for food on open garbage dumps. The sight of cattle consuming plastic, polythene, and other hazardous materials from the waste not only raises serious questions about animal welfare but also exposes the shortcomings of the administrative system and waste management. ​Expressing deep concern over this critical situation, Rajbir Singh Bhartiya (Senior Vice President of Manimajra EWS Residents Welfare Association), Punit Mahajan (General Secretary & Founder of Bhartiya Ekta Manch, Regd.), and Narendra Jaitak (President, Bhartiya Ekta Manch) have demanded immediate and effective action from the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, the UT Administration, and the Animal Husbandry Department.

​They stated that in Indian culture, the cow holds the revered status of a mother, and governments run various schemes for their protection. Crores of rupees are spent on running gaushalas (cow shelters); however, if cattle are still forced to look for food on the streets and garbage dumps, it reflects a severe failure of the system. ​The leaders highlighted that by consuming plastic and waste, cattle are contracting serious illnesses, putting their lives at grave risk. Recent incidents of cattle deaths in various locations have made this issue even more sensitive. This is not just a matter of animal protection, but an issue deeply connected with human sensitivity, public health, and administrative accountability.

​Rajbir Singh Bhartiya questioned that if the administration claims to protect and care for cattle, then why are animals roaming freely in the city forced to eat plastic at garbage dumps? He added that when there is a provision for fines for throwing garbage in the open, accountability must also be fixed for those responsible for creating such hazardous situations. ​Punit Mahajan said that the sacred cow is a symbol of our country's cultural and religious faith. Their proper care and protection should be a primary responsibility of the administration. He urged the authorities to safely transport the free-roaming cattle in the city to gaushalas and ensure proper care and food arrangements for them. ​He further mentioned that stray animals roaming on roads pose a constant threat of accidents. Many a time, during the day and night, animals suddenly appear in front of vehicles, leading to severe road mishaps. This danger intensifies under the cover of darkness. Therefore, a solution to this problem is essential for both the safety of the cattle and the protection of common citizens.

​Rajbir Singh Bhartiya, Punit Mahajan, and Narendra Jaitak collectively demanded that the administration immediately relocate free-roaming cattle to safe cow shelters, strengthen the waste management system, eliminate open garbage dumps, and ensure regular monitoring and rescue operations by the Animal Husbandry Department. Additionally, proper arrangements for safe food and shelter for the cattle must be guaranteed. ​They concluded by stating that cow lovers and local citizens have a direct question for the administration: how much longer will cows be forced to eat plastic and other harmful substances from garbage dumps? This is the prevailing situation everywhere across the Chandigarh Tricity, including Panchkula, Mohali, and Kharar. They also appealed to the high officials of Haryana and Punjab to pay urgent attention to this matter, suggesting that dedicated spaces should be created for stray animals, and cows must be kept safely in gaushalas.