THE GOAN NETWORK
PONDA
Bison have been found wandering in the streets in different parts of Ponda taluka, causing alarm among the residents in the area.
A scooter rider and his mother, who was on the pillion, were injured in Tiral-Usgao, when their scooter rammed into the bison a few days ago. Aadesh Naik and his mother, Ramita, sustained injuries and were treated in a hospital, before being sent home.
A few days ago, one bison was seen moving in the city at night near the fire station in Warkhande-Ponda and CCTV cameras installed by shop owners also captured the movement of the bison.
A bison was also recently sighted wandering in a street at Dhavali and a video clip of the bison moving around the street and startling locals have gone viral on social media.
About three months ago, a bison attacked a woman in Bonbag-Betoda and the injured woman died the next day while undergoing treatment in the hospital.
A local, Suresh Naik, claimed that the bison has been causing havoc among residents and motorists.
“Two riders were injured after their scooter rammed into the bison at Usgao. There is a possibility of more accidents in the village as the bison suddenly enters the streets and catches motorists and pedestrians by surprise. “The forest department needs to patrol the area and drive the bison away,” he said.
Another local, Kamalakant Naik said the movement of bison in human habitation can be dangerous for people.
“Some people have lost their lives in the past when they were attacked by bison. People need to be alert if bison are found wandering in the city. The forest department needs to take notice and drive away the bison as soon as possible,” said Naik.
Gurudas Dhumal also felt that the forest department needs to be alert and drive away the bison into forested areas before untoward incidents take place.
Responding to growing demands from concerned locals, officials of the Forest Department in Ponda are closely monitoring the situation in the area.
RFO Deo Shetkar and other staff have visited the area and have cautioned the people to be on the watch for the bison, as efforts are being made to get the bison shifted out of Usgao.
