PERNEM: Residents of Pernem are expressing growing alarm over the escalating population of stray cattle within the municipal area. While the Pernem municipality was allocated two vehicles by the government to address this issue in the past, doubts have emerged about the vehicles’ utilization and the overall effectiveness of the measures taken.
Stray cattle have become a common and disruptive presence on Pernem’s roads, causing traffic disturbances and posing substantial hazards to drivers, particularly during nighttime and afternoon hours. Incidents involving accidents with these animals have been reported, sparking criticism from locals who are frustrated by the municipality’s perceived lack of action in tackling the problem.
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Despite repeated appeals from citizens for protective actions against this issue, their pleas seem to have fallen on unresponsive ears. The impact of stray animals extends beyond traffic issues, as they also inflict damage on the agricultural produce of rural farmers. These farmers are facing significant losses, aggravated by the inability to trace the owners of the wandering cattle.
In the Pernem taluka, encompassing 20 village panchayats and one municipality, the issue of numerous unrestrained cattle continues to persist. Many of these cattle are not only a threat to agriculture due to crop destruction but also reveal an absence of concerted grassroots efforts to confront the issue effectively.
Curiously, most village panchayats in the Pernem taluka have established cattle sheds, with government funds allocated to these institutions for addressing the stray cattle concern. Nevertheless, doubts have emerged regarding the actual impact of these funds and whether they are being optimally utilized to combat the issue. Similar concerns surround the efforts of the Pernem Municipality.
“It’s the responsibility of cattle owners to ensure the welfare of their animals by appropriately containing them. The humane aspect of safeguarding these animals must not be overlooked,” Uday Mahale, concerned resident.
Furthermore, recent revelations indicate that the Morjim Panchayat leased a cow shed in Varchawada 12 years ago to tackle the issue of stray cattle. Despite hiring laborers for this specific purpose, not a single animal has been captured or relocated, raising questions about the efficiency of such measures.
