Stray cattle menace prompts tough action by Anjuna p'yat

MAPUSA

With stray cattle increasingly endangering motorists, inconveniencing pedestrians and damaging crops, the Village Panchayat of Anjuna-Caisua has moved to crack down on owners who allow their cows to roam freely on public roads and open spaces.

Responding to mounting complaints from residents and farmers, the panchayat has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gomantak Gaosevak Mahasang to impound any unattended cattle found within its jurisdiction. The decision was formalised through a resolution passed by the panchayat on November 13.

According to the notice issued by Sarpanch Surendra Govekar, the panchayat has taken serious note of the growing nuisance caused by free-roaming cattle – particularly on busy roads where they pose a significant traffic hazard, often leading to near-miss accidents.

Farmers from the area have also reported damage to fields and plantations due to stray grazing.

Under the new arrangement, any cattle found wandering, grazing or left unattended in public spaces, including roads, open grounds and other common areas, will be promptly impounded.

The animals will be transported to the Salem Goshala in Bicholim, which has been designated as the official shelter.

Owners will be required to pay a prescribed fine along with charges for transportation, feeding and care of the impounded animals before they are released.

The panchayat has warned that repeated violations will attract enhanced penalties and possible legal action under existing laws and by-laws.

Terming this a “final notice,” the panchayat has urged cattle owners to take immediate measures to secure their animals and prevent them from straying. It emphasised that the cooperation of the public is essential to maintain hygiene, ensure road safety and preserve public order.

The move comes amid rising concern over the unchecked presence of stray cattle on the village’s internal roads and along the main thoroughfares connecting Anjuna and Assagao, which residents say has become a daily menace.