CHENNAI: The cattle infestation on main roads, highways and interior roads is not a problem that only occurs in the city itself. The residents of Tiruvallur cannot stop complaining about stray cattle in the Tiruvallur city area as it causes trouble to many street vendors, hawkers, pedestrians and commuters.
Several commuters accuse municipal officials of turning a blind eye to the situation and demand that they address the problem as a priority.
Wandering cattle have caused many road accidents on JN Road near Government Hospital. Due to the scorching heat during the day, these animals rest at the bus stop of Tiruvallur Hospital. To avoid attacks by them, people stay away from the bus stop.
A few days ago, a man met with an accident after being frightened by cattle. “I was on my way to visit a friend who was admitted to GH Tiruvallur. As we approached the LIC building, a cow suddenly crossed the road. I lost control of my bike and fell on the road. I had to get five stitches and sustained a spinal injury,” laments G Gnanavel.
In Theradi Tiruvallur Road and Bazaar Road, cows come to eat vegetable waste and other food waste. When they roam in Bazaar Road, street vendors feed them vegetables and leaves. This practice often has negative consequences as the animals get used to being fed and keep coming back for more.
A banana leaf seller complained, “These animals roaming on Kondamapuram road eat fruits and leaves. A few weeks ago, a cow ate some banana leaves that I had kept for sale,” recalls S Santhosh, a seller.
Elsewhere too, animals eat garbage and drink sewage, which is harmful to them. “Near the Tiruvallur TNEB substation, a few cows eat garbage and plastic waste. The municipality is trying to take action against the cattle owners, but nothing seems to be working,” observes the owner of a grocery shop near the substation.
Though officials of Tiruvallur Municipal Corporation claim that they have taken steps to control the cattle infestation on the roads of Tiruvallur town, they are often seen roaming around the Tiruvallur Municipal Corporation premises.
When contacted, a Tiruvallur Municipality official said, “We caught 13 animals in the town and brought them to the goshala (cow shelter) a few weeks ago and the owners were fined. We have taken steps to control the cattle plague. But the owners have to take care of their cattle, otherwise the municipality will take strict action against them.”
