Trichy: The menace of stray cattle in public places and bovines blocking carriageways of national highways (NHs) has increased as enforcement against stray cattle has taken a back seat following the state assembly election. While two dedicated teams with specialised vehicles had been engaged to impound animals since 2022, only one team is operational now.
Residents Raise Concerns
Residents said the stray cattle menace gradually increased from March, soon after the model code of conduct (MCC) kicked in for the assembly elections. Two hydraulic lift-powered trucks were engaged in confiscating stray cattle and moving them to safe shelters in Konakkarai and Viragupettai. However, for the past few months, only one team is operating, and that too only at night.
"Cattle occupy a portion of highways passing through the airport, Kattur, Thiruverumbur, Karumandapam and Pirattiyur areas. A special enforcement drive is needed during peak hours, between 8am and 9am and 5pm and 6pm, not just at night," said R Thiruvenkadam, a road safety activist.
Reduced Penalties Dilute Deterrence
Meanwhile, the penalty levied by Trichy corporation for retrieving impounded cattle was reduced from Rs 5,000 to Rs 2,500 per animal from June 2025, following demands from councillors. This has diluted the fear among cattle owners about enforcement.
Trichy corporation officials acknowledged the shortage of manpower in confiscating stray cattle and said additional teams are necessary to cover vulnerable areas. At present, areas from which the public raise complaints are covered.
"We have confiscated eight cattle on Vayalur Road. The enforcement drive will be strengthened, and we will discuss with officials and the council to add more teams to impound cattle on roads," said M Karthikeyan, city health officer, told TOI.
About the Author
Deepak Karthik is a Trichy-based journalist working as Assistant Editor for The Times of India, covering central and Cauvery delta districts in Tamil Nadu. He writes on politics, transport, urban infrastructure, industries and technology. Deepak has completed his Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Mechanical engineering from Sastra university and holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Public Relations from Bharathidasan university.
