Team Herald
MAPUSA: Over 80 stray cattle in the Calangute panchayat jurisdiction have been sent to Gomantak Gosevak Mahasang, a gaushala (protective shelter) at Sikeri-Mayem, Bicholim.
Since October 2, the cattle spotted on the roads, beaches, fields, public places in Calangute have been impounded and kept in the gaushala and provided feed, fodder, water, shade besides care. Residents have reported to the panchayat that stray cattle menace has reduced considerably.
Speaking to Herald, Calangute sarpanch Shawn Martins requested cattle owners in the jurisdiction of Calangute and the neighbouring panchayats to make sure that their cattle are tied or kept securely in their private properties as the appointed agency are impounding stray cattle.
“We may be the first panchayat in Goa to catch so many stray cattle I think. We still see some cows in the morning and hence the NGO will use the services of a government veterinary to tranquilise them so they do not pose any danger to motorist and pedestrians. The credit goes to the NGO and the team working late night and early morning along with our coordinator Sandeep Morajkar. Right now they are working at night from 11 pm to 4 am because the cows start to run in all directions and it can be dangerous to pedestrians and motorists,” Shawn informed.
“A total of four to six cattle are picked up every day. Over 80 cattle have been sent to the gaushalas over the last 19 days. Only one owner has come forward claiming eight cows. He has initiated the procedure for the release of his impounded cattle,” he added.
It may be recalled that the panchayat was concerned over stray cattle menace which was causing traffic jams, accident deaths, agricultural damage, etc.
