VALPOI
Stray animals move freely on the roads at Valpoi, often leading to accidents. The stray animals can be spotted at almost every nook and corner.
In the meeting, the councillors unanimously passed the resolution and gave nod to send a proposal under the Stray Cattle Management Scheme 2013, which provides attractive incentives to municipal councils to impound and shelter stray cattle.
Briefing about the scheme, VMC Chief Officer Cynthia Misquita said the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, which facilitates the implementation of the scheme, has made a provision of Rs 1.80 crore.
Stressing the need to discharge their responsibility of keeping roads and public places free from stray cattle, Misquita said as per the civic body rules it is the responsibility of the local bodies to impound and shelter the stray cattle and under this scheme VMC can resolve the problem of stray cattle.
Stating that the stray cattle menace is challenging to the council, VMC Chairperson Ramdas Shirodkar said the council is concerned about the stray cattle menace which is causing traffic obstruction.
“It is observed that stray cattle sit on interior roads and also on main roads, leading to road accidents,” he added.
The chairperson told The Goan that the scheme envisages impounding of stray cattle and transporting it by a specialized vehicle to the cattle pound, where arrangements will be made to look after the animals.
As per the pattern of monetary assistance provided under the scheme, VMC will get 90 per cent grant to purchase a hydraulic lift vehicle costing Rs 18 lakh, Rs 10,000 for driver’s salary, Rs 5,000 per sq mtr for construction of sheds, Rs 75 per day for feeding cattle, salary of Rs 30,000 per month for a veterinary surgeon, salary of Rs 6,000 per month to six attendants (each), Rs 5 per animal for survey of stray cattle, Rs 2,000 for burial of dead animal and Rs 200 per animal for microchip or notching.
In the meeting, the councillors gave their nod to the decision and expressed that to overcome the stray cattle nuisance on the roads and to generate employment opportunities, the council should avail the scheme.
Councillor Anil Katkar said through this scheme, VMC can ensure removal of stray cattle from public areas without injuring and carry it safely to a place where they will be fed properly and looked after in a humane manner.
He said if VMC’s proposal is approved, then they have enough space near garbage treatment plant where they can start the project.
According to few councillors, the scheme is better if implemented.
“It will generate employment to locals and VMC can easily get rid of stray cattle menace,” said Councillor Aktar Shah.
Councillor Sayyad Sarfaraz said vegetable waste from market area can be used to feed the stray cattle impounded in the shelter.
The councillors have requested the engineer to forward the proposal immediately.
