The long-standing problem of stray cattle disrupting traffic and endangering public safety has finally been resolved in Gedu town, Chhukha. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of local stakeholders, the streets are now clearer and cleaner.
As you drive through Gedu town today, not a single stray cattle is in sight. The town, once known for its roads teeming with roaming cattle at every turn, is now serene and clean.
The persistent issue of stray cattle, posing risks to drivers, endangering residents, and contributing to unsanitary conditions, has finally been brought under control.
The turnaround came after local stakeholders, including the gewog administration, Gedu Throm, Gedu College, Bhutan Food and Drug Authority and other concerned agencies, began rounding up the stray animals.
“We really had a tough time. The animals often got into accidents with vehicles, and we had to get rid of the carcasses. Also, there was cow dung all over the town. The cattle would also drag the dustbins and litter. However, we all came together and initiated the effort to impound cattle. But again, we have to give proper shelter, food and light for these cattle,” said Gedu’s Thromde Ngotshab Palay Dorji.
“Before this regulation, there were cow dungs everywhere, including the town, the road and the college. A few also said that some cattle got into the classrooms, destroying infrastructure. But now the town has become clean,” said Devika Chhetri, a resident.
“With this new initiative, the town has become clean. Otherwise, when we come to open our shop in the morning, there would be litter and dustbins thrown everywhere, and we have to spend most of our time cleaning,” said Pema Choden, a shopkeeper.
The cattle are now kept in a temporary shelter until their owners come forward to claim them, each required to pay a fine of 5,000 ngultrum per animal.
Bongo Gup Tshering Penjor said, “We know the weather here. It is always covered in thick fog with a huge risk of accidents, raising safety concerns with cattle roaming in the area. So, we came up with this initiative not because we want to punish the public but to create a beautiful, clean and safe place. To maintain this, we will continue with the initiative.”
So far, about 40 stray cattle have been impounded. From this, more than 20 have been reclaimed by their owners upon paying a penalty. Meanwhile, 10 have been handed over to the Tshedar Tshogpa.
Kinley Dem, Chhukha
Edited by Phub Gyem
