| S VENKATESHWARAN |
The Federation of Nanganallur Welfare Associations has
welcomed the Greater Chennai Corporation’s (GCC’s) recent
initiative to mandatorily introduce cattle licensing across the
city.
This move comes at a time when stray cattle have become a
serious problem in areas like Nanganallur, which is jocularly
called the Gokulam of Chennai due to the presence of free-
roaming cattle on the streets.
Residents have been facing daily difficulties, as cattle often
roam on the main roads and interior streets, causing traffic
problems and posing risk to pedestrians, schoolchildren, and
senior citizens.
According to the federation, nearly 75 per cent of the stray
cattle entering Nanganallur come from neighbouring Ullagaram.
GCC has announced several steps to control this issue,
including the setting up of 11 new cattle shelters across all
zones, in addition to the existing four shelters. Each shelter can
accommodate around 50 to 180 cattle.
GCC also plans to involve volunteers and NGOs in feeding and
maintaining the cattle. A 2024 survey revealed that there were
more than 23,000 privately-owned cattle in the city, many of
which are left unattended on roads.
The federation highlighted several serious incidents caused by
stray cattle. Recently, a 75-year-old woman was attacked by a
cow near the Guruvayoorappan Temple in Nanganallur, leading
to severe head and spine injuries. Her condition later worsened
due to paralysis, and she is now undergoing treatment in the
ICU.
In another incident on 39th Street, Nanganallur, an elderly
woman suffered a hand fracture after being hit by a cow. Last
year, near Vettrivel Theatre, a man lost his life after being
gored by two buffaloes. These incidents have caused deep
concern among the residents.
Welcoming GCC’s decision to make cattle licensing mandatory
and to order 25,000 microchips, the federation has urged strict
implementation without delay.
They requested that the March 18 deadline for microchipping
be strictly followed, along with penalty clauses for violations.
Federation of Nanganallur Welfare Associations leaders Mr. V.
Rama Rao, advisor, Mr. Chandrabose, president, and Mr. V.
Kumaravelu, general secretary, met zone 12 chairman, Mr. N.
Chandran, and submitted a representation to the Mayor,
Commissioner and veterinary chief at Ripon Buildings.
The federation expressed the hope that the GCC’s steps will
bring lasting relief to residents and prevent further accidents
caused by stray cattle in the city, and particularly in
Nanganallur.
