Corporation steps in to curb stray cattle menace

The Chennai corporation is to impound stray cattle wandering on arterial roads. But officials claim that the stray cattle menace on the roads has gradually declined after the public was warned against letting cattle roam. Sources said that the city already witnesses traffic congestion and stray cattle add to the problem causing inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians. Sources added that though corporation staff are keeping a tab on this issue, some city roads and National Highways have been witnessing stray cattle menace. “After the heavy rain and flood recently, the roads have been badly damaged, and stray cattle only add to the problem. Further, cattle roam on roads during peak hours which can be very dangerous,” says P Selva Ganesan, a private firm employee of Valasaravakkam. 

He also added that it not only increased traffic congestion causing delay in reaching destinations, but also led to accidents. “It is a fact that one sees cattle on NH all the time sleeping on the medians,” says K Pandiyan, another motorist, who takes the Chennai-Trichy NH. Areas like Valasaravakkam, Virugampakkam and Vadapalani main roads see cattle across roads frequently. The interior areas also see stray cattle. 

T. Manoharan, PRO, Officer, Corporation of Chennai (CoC) told DTNext that efforts were on to apprehend stray cattle. “The stray cattle menace is nowadays on the decline and we are responding to the general public immediately on this issue” he said adding that action would be taken against those letting cattle roam in the city. Meanwhile, corporation Veterinary officer, Dr T.M Mahendran quipped that the issue should be discussed by all the stakeholders.