Tambaram's Stray Cattle Crisis: Over 1,000 Abandoned Animals Roam Chennai Streets
The streets of Tambaram in Chennai are becoming increasingly unsafe. More than 1,000 abandoned cattle now roam busy roads and neighbourhood lanes. This situation raises serious concerns over road safety, public hygiene, and animal welfare.
Official Actions and Fines
Tambaram corporation officials have taken some steps to address the problem. They caught at least 800 stray cattle until December last year. Fines amounting to 4.5 lakh rupees were collected from cattle owners during this period.
Officially, 2,460 cattle are registered within the corporation limits. However, officials estimate that nearly 1,000 unclaimed or ownerless cattle still roam free. This gap highlights the scale of the issue.
Residents Voice Their Concerns
V Santhanam, a senior activist and resident of Chromepet, shared his perspective. He noted that Tambaram and nearby areas have a rich history with cattle. Most suburban areas were once grazing fields for goats and cows. These fields have now made way for human settlements.
"The government must intervene urgently," Santhanam emphasized. "They need to ensure that unclaimed stray cattle are sheltered properly. This will help make the roads safer for everyone."
M Sreedhar, president of the Nallappa Nagar residents' welfare association, echoed similar concerns. He reported that stray cattle frequently scatter rubbish in residential areas. "Every morning, cattle feed on waste near our homes," Sreedhar said. "They even block school vans during peak hours. The corporation must act immediately to solve this problem."
Corporation's Response and Plans
Tambaram corporation commissioner S Balachander provided details on the situation. He explained that many cattle seen on roads are abandoned by their owners. The corporation currently has only one cattle housing facility at Walajahbad.
To improve this, the corporation is constructing two new sheds. These sheds can house at least 1,500 cattle. Officials expect them to be ready by May this year.
Balachander also mentioned increased efforts in catching stray cattle. The number of cattle-catching vehicles has risen from three to five. Regular drives are being carried out across the area.
"Around 50 cattle were captured last week in Chromepet alone," the commissioner stated. "Once cattle are caught, owners are given seven days to claim them. If the cattle remain unclaimed, they will be auctioned off."
This ongoing crisis in Tambaram underscores the need for swift and effective solutions. Residents continue to face daily challenges, while authorities work to expand shelter capacity and enforcement measures.
