Bovine intrusion

Wai! Thimphu city is literally going to the cattle. Cows and bulls are found on the periphery of the city at any time of the day. We can’t find green grass on the expressway, but the widest stretch of road in the country has almost become the grazing ground for cattle. At times it looks like a road passing through a big dairy farm.

It’s not sure where the cattle come from, but they lay siege to the road frequently. Sometimes, adamant cattle sleep on the road like logs holding up or slowing down traffic. An expressway is supposed to ease the flow of traffic by vehicles moving at a higher speed and smoother pace.

Thimphu is already experiencing traffic congestion. So, traffic flow should be improved at all points. A bottleneck anywhere leads to further congestion. The city corporation is supposed to keep the cattle out of the city. But the bovine fraternity in the capital seems to enjoy unconditional love of the city. City officials could perhaps become good dairy farm managers.

It’s basic common sense that cattle can’t mix with vehicles in a city. It puts both the cattle and motorists at risk. Unless Thimphu is a city of dairy farms, it shouldn’t be difficult to keep cattle out. If there are people rearing cattle in the forest surrounding the city, they should ensure that their cattle enjoy the fresh grass of the forest and not stray onto barren roads. The city should take cattle owners to task for letting their cattle lose. If not, in case of mishaps, motorists should take the city to task.