Chennai: In an effort to curb the stray cattle menace in the city, Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has decided to allow owners to tie their cattle in the pounds for a nominal monthly rent. The civic body is setting up 12 new pounds in addition to the existing two pounds.
Together, these facilities can house 300 cows and buffaloes. This year, GCC has caught 2,308 cows and collected a fine of 1 crore from the owners.The top three offenders were Ambattur zone where 379 cows were caught, followed by Madhavaram (203) and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar (185).
GCC commissioner J Kumaragurubaran said the zonal pounds will help house cattle that are seized locally.
"We get too many complaints, but the pounds in Pulianthope and Perambur are insufficient. The rental model will enthuse owners to tie cows at our centres," he said.
The corporation has identified vacant plots in Medavakkam, Velachery, Nanganallur, Maduravoyal and Ambattur to house the cows.
The corporation will also hire more veterinarians for these pounds. The cows will only be housed and milked here. Necessary arrangements, such as water and hay, will be provided along with medical support.
Deputy mayor Mahesh Kumar said each of the pounds will range between three to five grounds. "We have also given a warning to all owners to not use names of any political parties to local officials or gang up to threaten them. All the cows will be seized irrespective of party affiliations of owners," he said, adding that more pounds can be set up in city suburbs if there's a demand.
In July, the corporation increased fines for loitering stray cattle from 5,000 to 10,000, and 15,000 for second-time violations. R Ramesh of Santhome said the number of cows loitering on roads in Triplicane and Mylapore has reduced of late. "The corporation can double the fine to 20,000, which may completely curb the menace," he said.