Team Herald
PANJIM: Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo on Wednesday proposed an Animal Rescue Centre next to the Saligao Waste Treatment Plant to protect and care for stray animals.
Addressing the media, Lobo said, “Today we proposed to the government an animal rescue centre just besides the Saligao Waste Treatment Plant. We have also made a presentation to the Chief Minister after which he has agreed but wants a plan. We also had a meeting with the Communidade of Calangute and they have agreed to give us land measuring 15,000 sqmts.”
He added, “The first phase is expected to cost around Rs 10 crore and will be built on BOOT basis similar to how the waste treatment plant was built. Once operational, around 150 dogs and cows will be accommodated in the centre and the government shall give money on a monthly basis. The NGO and government will operate the plant.”
He further said that foreign and domestic tourists face problems due to stray dogs and cattle on the roads leading to accidents.
“In the last 24 months, a lot of accidents have taken place especially at night when the cows and bulls go unnoticed,” Lobo said.
“Garbage issue in the coastal area is coming to an end so why not this? We are in the process of starting water harvesting facilities so that it will benefit the animals in the rescue centre,” he added. Lobo said the rescue centre will house a veterinary hospital.
