Vizag motorists seek crackdown on stray cattle

Visakhapatnam: As parties and candidates prepare to contest the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) elections, motorists in parts of the city have raised concerns over stray animals obstructing traffic and causing accidents. They demanded that the civic body implement a comprehensive solution to tackle the menace.Motorists say cattle owners in parts of the city let their livestock onto roads, where they feed on garbage bins and litter. Accidents often happen as the stray animals feed on vegetation on the medians. Residents have seen stray cattle crossing roads near China Waltair, Appughar, MVP Colony, Marikavalasa, Kommadi, Bheemili, Arilova, and a few other places in Vizag city, with residents saying the animals also enter highways and the beach road stretch in the city.Stray cattle continue to pose a road safety risk in parts of Vizag, with neither GVMC authorities nor former corporators taking measures despite repeated complaints, MVP Colony resident D Sudhakar said.The situation was particularly alarming during evenings and early mornings, when low visibility increased the risk of crashes, he said. Stray dogs and pigs also obstructed traffic and caused accidents, he added.Stray cattle abandoned on roads pose safety and sanitation risks, besides damaging parked vehicles, parks, roadside plantations and standing crops in adjoining areas.Residents said the lack of strict enforcement and penalties, including impounding cattle, encouraged owners to abandon unproductive animals.Madhurawada resident A Satyanarayana said the civic body had announced plans to seize stray cattle and fine owners for allowing livestock onto roads, but these measures were not fully implemented. He hoped the upcoming GVMC council would address the issue.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Vijayawada | Silver Rate in Vijayawada | Bank Holidays in Vijayawada | Public Holidays in Vijayawada | Petrol Price in Vijayawada | Diesel Price in Vijayawada | CNG Price in Vijayawada | LPG Price in VijayawadaStay updated with the latest Vijayawada news. Download the TOI App.