Residents Troubled by Stray Cattle: Cow Dung Piles Outside Shops, Foul Smell Creates Public Nuisance

Sinapali, July 7: The long-standing problem of stray cattle has now turned into a serious civic issue in Sinapali town. From Jugenpadar to Kapsi, stray cows and bulls occupy roadsides, shopfronts, and major streets throughout the night. As a result, every morning the area is littered with cow dung, urine, and waste, creating an unhygienic environment, foul smell, and inconvenience for commuters and local residents. During the night, dozens of cows and bulls rest in front of closed shops, leaving behind large heaps of dung and urine on roads and commercial premises. Such scenes not only raise serious concerns over the town’s sanitation but also tarnish the image and cleanliness of the marketplace. According to local shopkeepers, every morning they are forced to clean cow dung and filth before opening their businesses. This results in unnecessary expenditure of time, labour, and money. The unpleasant odour also discourages customers from visiting shops. During the monsoon season, the mixture of cow dung and rainwater makes the roads extremely slippery, increasing the risk of pedestrians slipping and getting injured. The problem extends beyond poor sanitation. Stray cattle frequently lie on roads during both day and night, leading to several minor and major road accidents. Motorists, especially at night, often fail to notice the animals in time, resulting in collisions. With reduced visibility during the rainy season, the danger has become even more severe. Residents allege that many cattle owners take their cows home only for milking and later release them onto public roads, making the problem worse with each passing day. They also pointed out that allowing cattle to remain outside in the open during the monsoon is harmful not only to the public but also to the animals themselves. Despite repeated media reports and public complaints over the years, locals say that no effective action has been taken by the authorities. Citizens have demanded that the administration identify owners who abandon their cattle on public roads and take strict action against them. They have also urged the authorities to establish a permanent cow shelter (cattle shelter) in the town and launch regular drives to remove stray cattle from public roads. Keeping in view public hygiene, road safety, and public health, residents have appealed to the administration and the Animal Husbandry Department to intervene immediately and implement a permanent solution to this growing problem. They believe timely action will help restore cleanliness, prevent accidents, and improve the quality of life in Sinapali town.