Citizen connect: Encroachments, cattle roaming on roads worsen traffic movement at T Nagar

D Sekar, a shopper said that the cows are roaming on the major roads in T Nagar causing traffic snarls. “Earlier, stray cows would roam on interior streets. But now the cow owners are emboldened to let their cows on the major roads,” he pointed out.

He also added that the cows rest in the middle of the roads and masticate, taking the motorists by surprise. “On Friday, I was riding my two-wheeler on Madley Road in T Nagar. Around four cows were resting and masticating in the middle of the road. I did not expect this and had a close shave,” Sekar recalled.

Meanwhile, other residents said that stray cows are common in the interior streets and alleged that the Chennai Corporation remains soft on the violators. “We know that the cow menace is more common in suburban areas such as Chitlapakkam, Selaiyur and others. But cows roaming on streets, in the heart of the city, is dangerous for motorists. The civic body should take action against the cow owners, who let their cows on roads,” S Kumaran, a resident urged.

Another issue that the residents point out in the T Nagar is an encroachment on the roads and pedestrian pavement. “With shops and commercial establishments competing with one another to usurp the maximum public space, Ranganathan Street would soon become a by-lane, providing no space even for the shoppers,” VS Jayaraman, a resident said.

He added that the encroachments are due to inaction by the Chennai Corporation officials. “The street has become too narrow for fire tenders or ambulances to enter the street in case of any distress. The authorities should remove encroachment and provide safety and security to the people,” he demanded.

When contacted a Chennai Corporation official, he said that the civic body is collecting a penalty of Rs 10,000 from the cow owners, if they let the cattle on roads. “We wouls intensify our drive to curb stray cows and the encroachments would be removed soon,” he added.