MAPUSA
Moira locals on Sunday called for the compulsory registration of pet dogs in the village and the initiation of awareness programmes on rabies, malaria, and dengue prevention.
Senior citizens in the village also proposed a discussion on their welfare and protection.
During the gram sabha, the annual budget for the village panchayat was unanimously passed after a brief discussion, which focused on the recovery of arrears.
Concerns were raised about the rising number of stray dogs in the village, with resident Julia D’Souza emphasizing the need for measures to control their population. She also urged villagers to avoid feeding stray dogs, which contributes to nuisance issues.
D’Souza highlighted the ongoing campaign by the State government, through the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services and the NGO Mission Rabies, to combat rabies in Goa.
This programme involves vaccinating and sterilizing stray dogs and seeks community participation for success.
She suggested that mandatory annual registration of pet dogs by their owners with the village panchayats and municipalities would help control the dog population, ensure annual anti-rabies vaccination, and reduce the number of stray dogs.
To implement this, D’Souza proposed that the panchayat conduct a survey to register all pet dog owners and develop a plan to fix the license fee and issue dog licenses.
She also recommended that the panchayat’s Garbage Management Committee identify spots where food waste is dumped and develop plans to stop this practice.
Additionally, she suggested inviting the Department of Animal Husbandry and NGO Mission Rabies to conduct a rabies prevention awareness programme.
Moira Sarpanch Sagar Naik acknowledged the rise in stray dogs but hesitated to impose a license fee for registering pet dogs, seeking clarification on the government’s stance on this issue.
Local resident Russel Mendonca raised concerns about the increase in vector-borne diseases in the village and called for preventive measures.
He proposed an awareness campaign on malaria and dengue prevention, to be organized by the panchayat in collaboration with the Primary Health Centre Aldona and local citizens.
Mendonca also suggested that the Health Officer be requested to take strict action against the non-issuance of health cards to laborers at construction sites, imposing an enhanced fine of Rs10,000 under the Public Health Act 1985 and Rules 1987.
He recommended distributing guppy fish in all wells within the panchayat’s jurisdiction as a measure to prevent malaria and dengue.
Sarpanch Naik informed that the panchayat has been proactive in controlling vector-borne diseases, with weekly visits to mosquito-prone areas and disinfectant spraying.
He stated that the malaria and dengue situation in the village is currently under control.
Moira resident Florence Mendes emphasized the importance of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007, which provides for the maintenance and welfare of senior citizens as guaranteed under the Constitution of India.
She proposed that the District Magistrate (North) ensure wide publicity of the Act and Rules and that officers, including police and local body members, receive periodic sensitization and awareness training.
Mendes also suggested that application forms for maintenance, as prescribed in the Act, be made available at the panchayat and that Mapusa Police Station maintain an updated list of senior citizens.
