SANGUEM
Residents of Zambaulim on Tuesday staged a protest raising concerns over the functioning and management of the Dhyan Foundation’s gaushala.
Addressing the gathering, Quepem Municipal Council Councillor Dayesh Naik alleged financial irregularities in the management of the facility, questioned the expenditure shown on cattle feed and maintenance, and called for greater transparency and accountability.
Naik further alleged that several cattle were being kept in poor conditions, tied in open areas or left to roam freely in public places, including local markets and near the police station.
He also expressed concern over unhygienic conditions around the gaushala, alleging that stagnant wastewater had led to mosquito breeding and that several villagers had reportedly contracted dengue. He urged the authorities to address the issue on priority.
The councillor also alleged that the gaushala was operating without the necessary permissions and appealed to departments concerned to verify its legal status and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
Clarifying the stand of the protesters, Naik said the residents had the highest respect for cattle and that their protest was not against the animals but against the alleged mismanagement of the gaushala.
He urged the Devasthan committee and the government to relocate the gaushala away from the residential area to safeguard both cattle welfare and the well-being of local residents.
