Stray cattle, choked drains paint a sorry picture of Ambala Cantt
The persistent presence of stray animals, garbage dumps along roads and drains clogged with waste continues to mar the civic image of Ambala Cantonment.
Large numbers of stray cattle roam freely through markets, residential areas and along the Ambala-Saha Road (NH 444-A). A major drain near the Ambala Cantonment bus stand remains choked with plastic waste and debris. Garbage is visible at multiple spots, including along the SDM Complex road, raising hygiene and safety concerns.
Ravi Kumar, a local resident, said, “Stray animals move about unchecked on roads and inside colonies, feeding off open garbage dumps. The situation worsens at night when visibility drops, increasing the risk of accidents. Near the bus stand, cattle often create traffic snarls and sometimes even cause accidents.”
Jagmohan Kumar, another resident, added, “Shifting these animals to gaushalas has been a long-pending demand. The government claims to prioritise cattle welfare, but the ground reality tells a different story. Garbage is scattered across the area and many open drains are choked with plastic bottles and filth. These need timely cleaning or else they’ll overflow once the rains begin.”
He also highlighted another concern: “Local vendors often burn garbage near the bus stand late at night. The Municipal Council should deploy more sanitation workers and start penalising those who dump or burn waste in public spaces.”
In response, an official said former District Municipal Commissioner Sachin Gupta had recently met with relevant authorities and gaushala operators to discuss relocating stray cattle. Gaushalas have been asked to report their holding capacities and challenges. The administration plans to support these facilities and relocate the cattle accordingly, with formal agreements and support mechanisms being developed.
Efforts to address sanitation have also begun. Tenders for drain cleaning were issued and the process started in April. Officials say all drains in the Ambala Sadar area are expected to be cleared by the end of May.
Vinod Behniwal, Chief Sanitary Inspector of the Municipal Council, Ambala Sadar, stated, “Our workers regularly clear garbage from designated dumping points and do not set it on fire. However, after collection, some people dispose of fresh garbage or burn it themselves. We are making every effort to keep the area clean.”
Haryana Tribune