Chennai: Residents of Marvel Riverview County in Manapakkam have urged the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to take sustained action against stray cattle, saying the animals frequently wander into residential streets and pose a safety risk to pedestrians, particularly after dark.The colony, comprising around 10 streets and home to more than 200 families, has been grappling with the problem for a long time, residents said. They said cattle are often brought by their owners to the outskirts of the colony for grazing but end up entering the residential streets when they are left loosely tied.“We have been facing this problem for a long time. When cattle wander into the streets, pedestrians, especially senior citizens and children, have to be cautious. The risk is greater at night when visibility is poor. We have repeatedly brought the issue to the attention of the GCC, both individually and through the residents’ association, but enforcement has been ineffective, with officials often saying that Corporation teams did not find cattle during raids,” said V Nagarajan of Marvel Riverview County Owners Welfare Association.Recently, the residents photographed cattle roaming on the street and shared the images with the concerned zonal official. The residents were informed that notices would be issued to the owners after their addresses were verified. However, there has been no response when tried to follow up.“We have nothing against cattle owners, but animals should not be allowed to roam freely on residential roads. The Corporation needs to identify the owners and ensure that the cattle are kept in designated places. Repeated complaints should lead to action, not just one-time inspections,” said P Jagadeesan, another resident.When contacted, Alandur zonal officer S Murugadoss said a cowshed had been constructed in Nandambakkam with a capacity to accommodate 150 cattle. “If the cattle continue to roam on the roads, we will ensure that they are impounded and kept in the shed. We will also impose a penalty on the owners,” he said.
