ABOHAR MUNICIPAL CORPORATION PARK BECOMES A HAVEN FOR STRAY ANIMALS

Raj Sadosh/Abohar.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had in 2020 staged a two-week-long protest outside Nehru Park here, accusing the then Congress government of failing to address the issue of stray animals. At the time, senior party leader Aman Arora, who arrived to extend his support, declared that the problem would be resolved within days of his party forming the government.

Concerned citizens point out that not only has the issue remained unresolved over the last four and a half years, but the number of stray animals has actually increased significantly, leading to numerous accidents. While a government-run Gaushala exists in Salemshah—near Fazilka—along with six other private Gaushalas in the district, the problem persists unabated. Recently, after the media highlighted the issue, Aman Arora visited Fazilka and convened a meeting with senior officials to discuss the matter; however, no solution appears to be in sight.

A specific aspect of this problem has also come to light. Residents of ‘Nai Abadi’ report that a park in Street No. 5 had in the past fallen into a state of ruin, with at least six stray animals found dead in 2021. Subsequently, the Municipal Corporation, with the assistance of the Jakhar Trust, undertook the renovation of this park. The proposal was to rename this park as a tribute to Kalpana Chawla, or alternatively, to reserve it exclusively for women and children.

However, the park has once again become a refuge for stray animals, which not only ruin its appearance but also frequently cause a nuisance. This poses a risk to those who visit in the morning to worship the sacred trees. No measures have been taken to prevent stray animals from entering the park; MC officials cite a lack of funds as the reason.

During a national conference of mayors in Chandigarh, Mayor Pooja Wadhwa requested the Punjab govt. to appoint a regular commissioner, which would help get development back on track and address public grievances. So far, the government has not taken any action on this demand