CURCHOREM: Inspite of many decisions taken by Quepem Municipal Council (QMC) to initiate a special drive to curb the stray cattle menace in their jurisdiction many can be seen squatting on the roads creating problems for the motorist/pedestrians and nuisance in the area.
Motorist face problems as the stray cattle squat in the main market near the public garden as well as between SAG sports complex and Tilamol junction and near the police station. Speaking to Herald Rahul Pereira said they have a pound keeper as well as cattle pound in Quepem. “We have a team of 5 to 6 workers and they are trying their level best along with the pound keeper to impound stray cattle but due to the forthcoming panchayat elections some of our staff are deputed for election work and some workers are engaged for pre-monsoon work in the municipal wards. Therefore there is some difficulty to impound the cattle in these days” said Pereira.
“A cattle pound can be seen in the area but I have never seen a single cattle in the pound. I do not think that QMC has ever found any owner of the cattle left on the roads/public places and therefore there is no fear” said local resident Georjit (Joe) D’Costa.
It may be recalled last year former Chairperson Filu D’Costa conducted a drive and warned the owners. He said the cattle would be impounded and a fine would be imposed but nothing came of it.
Meanwhile it is also seen that stray cattle menace resurfaced once again in Curchorem roads mostly in panchayat area which was earlier tackled by Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral with the help of government vehicle which was brought to lift the stray cattle. “I will direct the concerned authorities to lift them if found on public roads and take necessary action” said Cabral appealing the owners to take care of their cattle and not to leave them on roads.
