Bengaluru: The menace of cow son the street is not new to Bengaluru. But despite attempts to curb it, it only seems to be growing.“Just now, I almost crashed because of a cow. It suddenly started walking from the footpath to the divider to feed on the grass. It completely disrupted the flow of traffic and caused everyone to change directions. Cows are a huge hindrance on the road and put the lives of theirs and everyone else’s at risk,” said Ajith, a student who uses a scooter.
Apart from disrupting traffic on the road, stray cows are also cause of much muck on streets. From ripping open garbage bags and strewing garbage all over, to filling with roads with dung, stray cows are a menace for many Bengalureans.
“Not just slowing down traffic, the lives of cows are also in danger. Also cows can consume large volumes of plastic while foraging through garbage which could lead to their death. I’ve seen cows moving around in herds but never their caretaker,” said Santushi, a young techie.
BBMP has made several attempts to reduce the menace. Dr G. Anand , Joint Director of Animal Husbandry, said, “The laws are functioning well. Whenever we find stray cows without owners on the streets, we pick them up and take them to our cattle counter, which is in the market area. If someone comes to claim their cattle, we fine them Rs 600 per day, per cow and give them back their cattle. If they don’t, we wait for some time and take further measures to release them. Cows on the road have decreased, our attempts are working well.”
