Chief Minister Pramod Sawant speaks in the Assembly.
Photo Credits: Narayan Pissurlenkar
MAPUSA
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has assured the Goa Legislative Assembly that a new law will be introduced in the next assembly session to address the issue of stray cattle on roads.
Sawant said this legislation will hold cattle owners accountable for any accidents caused by their animals. He said the required budget provisions for this initiative will also be included.
Sawant also announced plans to sign agreements with all panchayats and civic bodies to ensure that stray cattle are relocated to gaushalas (cattle shelters).
"We will bring a strong law to stop the stray cattle menace in the next assembly session. The law will hold the owner of cattle responsible for any accidents. Necessary budgetary provision will also be made for the same," Sawant stated.
He further mentioned that stray cattle and dogs on roads and beaches have become a significant nuisance, and the government will explore the possibility of filing cases against negligent cattle owners.
This response came after Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai raised concerns about the menace during the Question Hour.
Sawant pointed out that the issue has escalated beyond local cattle, with cows provided under the Kamdhenu scheme also being let loose. He warned that cows found roaming on roads would be reclaimed by the government, and their owners would be disqualified from the Kamdhenu scheme.
Currently, there are only six to seven gaushalas in the State, but plans are underway to lease government land to establish more such shelters, the CM informed.
Goa Forward Party leader Sardesai highlighted the severity of the issue, citing government data that recorded 73 accidents and 13 fatalities due to stray cattle in the past five years. Sardesai criticised the lack of accountability for cattle owners and suggested aligning the stray cattle issue with the Swachh Bharat mission for a more aggressive approach.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao raised concerns about the handling of dead stray animals, which are often left on the roadsides. In response, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Nilkanth Harlankar, admitted the absence of stringent laws against the nuisance of stray cattle and dogs. He assured the House that the dog policy would be made more effective by incorporating suggestions from all MLAs.
