Yet again a youth has lost his life in a road accident, this time from Curchorem, as a result of stray cattle menace. The 19-year old rider reportedly hit his two-wheeler against the cattle squatting along the road. The impact was such that the youth fell off his two-wheeler and died as a result of the head injuries sustained due to the fall.
The stray cattle menace on roads has been responsible for several fatal accidents in the state. Many have probably been maimed for life. After the pot-holes on the roads, stray cattle could be the second major factor leading to road accidents. It becomes very difficult to notice these cattle squatting on the road, especially if the road is not illuminated.
The local authorities, the panchayats and the municipalities need to see to it that the roads under their jurisdiction are kept free from stray cattle. These cattle need to be impounded and a hefty fine imposed on the owner of the animal. Just like pet dogs need to be registered with the civic bodies and panchayats and the tag with the registration number attached to the collar, cattle also need to be registered so that the owner of the stray cattle is traced and penalized for letting the animals roam on the roads. ADELMO FERNANDES, Vasco
