Stray cows wander onto busy roads, spark snarls and frayed tempers

PUNE: Lately on the city roads, a different kind of traffic is causing problems. It needs neither gears nor wheels, and proves obdurate and unyielding in the face of the most persistent of honking.
People across the city are reporting a sudden spurt in the number of stray cows and bulls roaming the road. They are found resting in the fast lane with their whole family, or just stand and take a breather in the middle of a junction.
In the worst case scenario, they even butt heads with motorists, with the humans getting the worst of that exchange.
Enough is enough, say people. Those frequently affected by the ponderous bovines want them off the streets and back in their sheds as soon as possible.
Bhatnagar resident Sunil Dharmani says the cows block traffic and leave little space for road users in Pimpri Chinchwad.
Uddhav Burute another Bhatnagar resident, elaborates. “Every day, a herd of cows blocks the road to Bhatnagar from Chinchwad. The cows not only block the road, but also urinate and defecate there, dirtying the entire area. I wonder what civic authorities are waiting for,” Burute said.
The situation is no different in Tingrenagar, says Atul Daundkar. “These cows sit at intersections, make it difficult for people to turn,” he says.
Residents of Baner and Sus Road too have similar complaints. While some are affronted that the cows are allowed on the roads, others like Rishi Kappal have had painful experiences. “Baner’s roads are a nightmare, what with stray cows, dogs and pigs loitering about. They sometimes even attack pedestrians and throw two wheeler drivers off balance,” he said.
Camp too faces a similar issue, per Rafi Siddiqui. “Cows casually blocking the main road near Command Hospital. They are like nature’s speed breakers,” points out Siddiqui.
Others point out that cows are allowed to stray out by their owners to graze, or cut loose once they no longer prove useful. Vaishali Jadhav, health officer of Pune Municipal Corporation, advised citizens affected to approach the civic animal pound department. Local ward offices could also be contacted with complaints, she said.