the goan I network
VASCO
With the port town struggling to cope with stray cattle, the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) is on the lookout for land to tackle the stray cattle menace.
A lot of stray cattle have been spotted all across Vasco city, leading to accidents and inconvenience to motorists especially during monsoons.
The stray cattle are also found feasting on roadside garbage at various locations in Vasco and the garbage is strewn on the roads. The stray cattle also squat on the roads, blocking one side of the road and making it difficult for motorists to negotiate the animals.
Stray cattle are also found at important traffic junctions like the Dabolim International Airport Junction and the busy St Andrew’s Church junction, making them unexpected speed breakers for motorists.
Tired of the stray cattle menace and garbage strewn on the roads, a number of people have approached MMC Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes to take immediate steps to resolve the issue.
“Cattle owners should ensure that their animals are not simply let out on the road and pose a threat or nuisance to others,” remarked a resident and social activist Kiran Naik.
“This is an A-grade municipality and civic authorities must try and find land to locate the stray cattle. They can also invite people willing to set up cattle welfare centres like Goushalas so that the issue is resolved,” said Naik.
Meanwhile, social worker Hassan Khan said the MMC must put pressure on their supervisors to identify spots where cattle are found feasting on garbage.
“We have to ensure that roadside garbage is cleaned up immediately and strict action taken on stray cattle owners, if their animals are found loitering on the streets,” said Khan.
When contacted, MMC Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes said he was aware of the stray cattle menace in Vasco.
“We are doing our best to tackle this issue. I have requested the administrator of Comunidades and Director of Panchayats to lease out land to us, since Vasco has space constraints.”
