Madurai Corporation Deploys Private Bull Catchers to Address Stray Cattle Crisis
The Madurai Corporation has taken decisive action to tackle the persistent problem of stray cattle roaming the city's streets by hiring a specialized private team of bull catchers from Alanganallur on a contractual basis. This initiative aims to impound stray cattle that have become a significant nuisance and safety hazard for pedestrians and commuters across public spaces.
Widespread Safety and Traffic Issues Caused by Stray Cattle
Stray cattle are frequently observed grazing in public parks, obstructing pavements, and blocking roads, leading to severe traffic disruptions and safety risks, particularly for two-wheeler riders. The issue is prevalent in numerous areas including K K Nagar, K Pudur, South Marret Street, Balarengapuram, Gatelock Road, and North Marret Street, where these animals often linger on roadsides, forcing motorists to navigate dangerously around them.
John, a resident of KK Nagar, shared his experience: "Sometimes the cattle move directly towards us, causing accidents where we fall or collide with other vehicles while trying to avoid them. It's a daily struggle that compromises our safety."
Contract Team's Operations and Impact
The 14-member team, led by G Arunpandian, has been assigned the task of capturing stray cows across all 100 wards of Madurai. In the past 30 days alone, they have successfully caught 47 stray cattle, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach. A senior corporation official reported that the stray cattle issue has been reduced by approximately 50% since the beginning of 2024, attributing this improvement to the team's efforts and stricter enforcement measures.
Strict Fines and Shelter Plans
The corporation is implementing stringent penalties to deter owners from letting their cattle roam freely. On-the-spot fines of Rs 3,000 are levied for stray cattle, escalating to Rs 5,000 if the animal is impounded. The bull-catching team receives a payment of Rs 2,000 per cow captured, incentivizing their work.
Currently, impounded cows are transported to shelters in Tenkasi and Chennai. However, the official highlighted that a new shelter nearing completion in Bethaniyapuram will soon eliminate the need for long-distance trips. This facility, once operational, will have the capacity to hold up to 50 stray cattle at a time, keeping them within the corporation limits for more efficient management.
The corporation's proactive measures, combining professional catching teams with substantial fines and improved shelter infrastructure, represent a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the dangers posed by stray cattle and enhance public safety in Madurai.
