COIMBATORE: The stray cattle that owners let loose in the city to forage for food from dustbins and wherever else possible are causing major traffic problems in Ukkadam.
Though the 'grazing' of cattle is banned within the city, the owners disregard the rule and release the animals onto the roads. They can thus save money on feeding them.
Ukkadam, with its market and bus stand, is one of the busiest areas in the city. Apart from being a great nuisance, stray cattle can also be a danger here to motorists.
A large number of passengers pass through the place. Besides those going to other parts of the city, vehicles going to places like Pollachi and Trichy and neighbouring states like Kerala pass through Ukkadam.
The cattle often lie by the roadside, causing congestion. Sometimes, they get frightened and run into the middle of the road, causing havoc to motorists, said Rajesh, a TNSTC bus driver.
They mainly feed on the abundant fruit waste dumped on the roadsides. Sometimes they eat the fruit kept in the stalls, said a fruit seller.
“Motorists coming to the area are often forced to stop in the middle of the road because of the cattle. This sometimes leads to accidents,” said an autorickshaw driver in Ukkadam.
V Varun, who had an accident in 2011 when a stray cow suddenly crossed the road, said, "My cheekbone broke and I remained unconscious for three days. I remember very little of what happened. My friends had to 'fill me in' on the details."
When contacted, an official said the cattle owners are first issued a notice and if there is no response, the animals are seized.