Jagran Correspondent, Faridabad | The city, which contributes 4,000 crore in GST collections and 100 crore in property tax revenue to the government, is unable to free itself from the menace of stray animals. In this city of three ministers, the roads have become a complete cowshed. Four to five animals can be seen sitting in the middle of every road. This is the reality of Haryana's Faridabad.
The Municipal Corporation's Health Department issued a helpline number 10 days ago, urging people to report stray animals. The very animals the civic body is pretending to seek public assistance in capturing are now roaming the city streets within a one-kilometre radius of the Municipal Corporation headquarters.
Three Ministers Hail From Faridabad
Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goyal, Food Supply Minister Rajesh Nagar, and Union Minister of State Krishnapal Gurjar live in the district, yet the stray animal menace remains unresolved.
Authorities Issue FIR Warnings Twice
The corporation has issued FIR warnings over the stray animal issue twice. A letter from the then Additional Commissioner, Swapnil Patil, stated that FIRs would be filed against the owners of stray animals on the streets. However, no police complaint was filed for a year.
Following this, about 15 days ago, Health Branch Officer Nitish Parwal also claimed to have filed an FIR. However, no complaint was filed at the police station. This gives an idea of the corporation's seriousness regarding its warning.
Minister's Promise To Make Faridabad Stray Animal Free
Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goyal, upon assuming office, ordered the city's streets to be completely free of animals. A campaign was also launched by the corporation to achieve the goal. But now everything has been put on hold.
Two teams from the corporation's health branch, consisting of 20 employees, are working to capture stray animals. However, considering the number of animals, both staff and resources appear inadequate.
In August 2024, two stray animals fighting on the road in Bharat Colony hit a motorcyclist. He died on the spot. Two vehicles collided on Sector 8 bypass road after a stray animal suddenly appeared in front of them. Both vehicles were severely damaged, and one vehicle's airbag deployed, injuring the occupants.
Faridabad Stands With:
- 2.7 million population
- 100 crore property tax
- 25,000 industrial units
- 4,000 crore GST
- Over 12,000 stray animals
- Two municipal corporation teams are working
- 20 employees have been appointed to capture animals
- A fine of 5,000 rupees is imposed by the corporation
- Animals are currently being kept in three cow shelters by the corporation
- The number of animal capture teams will be increased to 9
- The corporation is preparing to open two cow shelters.
Speaking on the issue, Ajay Singh, Advocate, GST, said the Haryana government receives approximately 4,000 crore rupees in GST from the city. In that context, the common citizen should have access to basic amenities as well as completely clean city roads, he added.
"After Gurugram, Faridabad is the district that contributes the highest revenue to the Haryana government. Three senior ministers live in the city. Despite this, animals rule the roads, leading to accidents every day. Therefore, FIRs should be filed against the officials responsible for these accidents," said Mukesh Sharma, former senior deputy mayor.
Nitish Parwal, Health Officer, Municipal Corporation, said given the increasing number of animals, a plan for a permanent solution is being developed. "The number of teams will be increased. Additionally, a special strategy will be implemented to ensure animal-free roads," he added.