Loitering stray cattle causing accidents, nuisance in Mapusa

ASMITA POLJI

PERNEM: With the issue being given a deaf ear, stray cattle menace in Mapusa, as in the rest of the State, is on rise, with every junction and open space, even the footpaths, being occupied by cattle, especially after 6 pm.

A gradual trend seems to be unfolding, where cattle come and sit on the roads, obstructing vehicular traffic and causing nuisance to the public in general.

Locations that have become a favourite among these bovine creatures include Gandhi Circle, Dattawadi, near Xavier’s college, Ganesh Puri, Duler, near Milagres Church, Mapusa Tar, Khorlim junction. These stray cattle also become the cause of the evening traffic conjunction in these parts.

The animals owned by the residents of Mapusa and surrounding villages have left the animals to fend for themselves, as they do not seem to be of much use and also do not claim ownership. 

With our roads already littered with potholes, the cattle on the road multiply the chances of accidents and have, over the years become the cause of several fatal accidents.

It is noticed that the animals, without anyone to herd them out, occupy open places, specially roads and pose threat to dangers to motorists and bikers at night. It is also often notices that these animals often choose places that have no or poor illumination, thereby making it difficult for motorists to spot them.

Sources pointed out that Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) had once come up with a solution of rounding up these animals and then fine the concern owners, who would be asked to lay claim to the animals within 15 days. If nobody came forward the animals would be auction off. Apparently, the move has not worked and status quo seems to have prevailed over the issue.

Since many are stray animals, the animals are forced to roam around in search of food and usually eat leftover food from dustbins. This again is another issue, where dogs and stray cattle are often seen emptying and scattering the garbage all over the road in search of food.

Many a time, motorists are also forced to stop due to animal tussle on the road due to the competition for food and many have also got hurt when the animals run across haphazardly during such fights.

Many motorists claim that spotting stray cattle on the road is rather difficult, specially if there is no illumination and if the cattle are black or brown, as it is difficult to spot them before it is too late.

A local, Luis Fernandes said he travels everyday from Ganeshpuri road to Siolim and always notices a big group of 15 to 20 animals which sit on middle of the road at Ganeshpuri housing board junction. And since there is no proper illumination in this particular area, most people, especially the youth who ride their bikes very fast sometimes crash into them, causing injuries to themselves and the animals. 

MMC should take some immediate action on this issue other than merely promising people of solution, he said. We have complained to the MMC on so many occasions about the menace of stray cattle but no authority is ready to take any serious action. During the last meeting, the council had decided that they will take care of these animals by shifting them to cow shed and that the drive would start from October 1. However, till today nothing has been done happened, Deepak Naik, who lives nearby, said,”

In fact, the irritation and agitation of the locals has reached a boiling point and many feel that something needs to be done immediately.

Authorities have almost turned their attention away from this major issue despite having knowledge of hundreds of stray animals roaming around on the roads and footpaths in the Mapusa municipality jurisdiction.

Pritesh Dessai points out that the issue is sometimes taken up for a few days and after that everything is back to normal. “Even after acknowledging the issue, authorities have shown no interest in solving this problem. And even if they initiate some drive, the drive ends within few days and problem remains as it was,” he adds.