E Arun
Port Blair, Dec 05: The problem of stray cattle has assumed serious dimensions in various areas of Port Blair city, where one can see bovine creatures sitting on the road 24 X 7.
Commuters have to face lots of problems while traversing the road, which remains occupied by herds of cattle.
Especially in Chakkargaon area, the commuters have to face harrowing time because of the stray cattle. At night the road becomes a death trap for commuters, especially for two wheeler riders. Several accidents have already taken place due to the stray cattle.
Major portion of the Chakkargaon road is poorly illuminated and on that cattle occupy most of the space of the road. At night often it becomes absolutely impossible to detect cattle on road, which results in accidents and injuries. The commuters have to exercise great caution while moving in Chakkargaon road.
“Stray animals have become a major problem in our area,” said a resident of Chakkargaon.
When Contacted Mr. Rakesh Bali(IAS), Secretary , PBMC accepted that Chakkargaon road always remain occupied by cattle. Showing helplessness, he said that even if PBMC catches cattle and imposes fine, the cattle are freed by owners on the very next day after paying fine of Rs. 500, which was just Rs. 150 a few months back.
“Since 1st January we caught 968 cows and imposed fines. Every month we catch 70-80 cows. Last month i.e., in November we caught 85 cows and collected Rs.9500 as fine. Unfortunately we have to leave the cattle when the cow owners pay the fine,” Mr. Bali said.
It seems that the PBMC has already given up all hopes and Islanders have now no other option than requesting all the cattle personally to stay away from City Roads.
