Sun Mar 09 17:16:52 UTC 2025: ## Suburbs Outside Chennai Struggle with Waste Management and Stray Cattle
**CHENNAI, March 9, 2025** – Residents of Gerugambakkam and Kolapakkam, small panchayats near Chennai’s IT hub, are grappling with inadequate waste management and a large number of stray cattle roaming freely. While recent road improvements have been made, the persistent garbage problem remains a major concern, posing both health and safety risks.
Residents report infrequent garbage collection, leading to roadside dumping and attracting stray animals. The overflowing waste is not only an eyesore but also a breeding ground for mosquitoes and a source of unpleasant odors. The lack of a proper underground sewage system further exacerbates the issue, with sewage flowing into a nearby canal.
The free-roaming cattle, many owned by locals, create additional hazards. They block roads, posing a safety risk to vehicles and pedestrians. One fruit vendor reported near-misses due to cattle obstructing the road.
Residents have expressed their frustrations to local authorities. While Panchayat secretary Thanigachalam stated that a door-to-door garbage collection system is in the works to address the current irregular pick-up schedule and that new bins are being requested, the problems remain unresolved. The community is urging swift action to improve waste management and implement better animal control measures.
First Piper 