Stray cattle menace has become a serious matter not only in major cities and towns, but in villages as well. The villages of Adpai and Durbhat in Ponda add to this list. In this jurisdiction, cattle roam freely on the road in the daytime posing danger to the lives of travellers. Pedestrians too remain at a greater disadvantage. In the nighttime, stray cattle are often noticed squatted in the middle of the road raising the possibility of mishaps. The village panchayat of Adpai-Durbhat has not yet viewed this matter with the seriousness it deserves. Hence no initiative has been taken as yet in building cattle pounds and undertaking the task of impounding stray cattle. The local MLA Sudin Dhavalikar should take up the lead in this regard and follow up the matter with this VP in the interest of the public at large. The Directorate of Panchayats as a competent authority should issue necessary circular to VPs to build cattle pounds on a priority basis. Unless the matter is dealt with an iron hand, it will be difficult to assure necessary relief on a permanent basis. Travellers must be assured safety at all costs.
