PONDA: The failure of the civic bodies to handle stray cattle in Ponda and Dharbandora talukas has come into focus again as it poses a threat to public safety. Several road accidents were recorded in the year 2022, leading to the loss of young lives. In Dharbandora taluka alone, two youths lost their lives after colliding against stray cattle, while another lost his life in Ponda taluka.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Ponda municipality has taken proactive measures to curb accidents caused by stray cattle. The municipality is in the process of establishing a Goshala at Nirankal-Betoda at an approximate cost of Rs 16 lakhs and is expected to be completed next month. The goshala will become a shelter for the stray cattle, ensuring the safety of commuters as well.
Meanwhile, several incidents involving stray cattle were reported recently. In one incident near the Par-Usgaon bridge, a young rider died instantly after his bike collided against stray cattle squatting in the middle of the road a night.
In Dharbandoda, a youth lost his life after being hit by a two-wheeler on the national highways during the night. Another incident at Kasawali-Mollem saw cattle encroaching on the national highways, leading to a collision with a two-wheeler rider who succumbed to his injuries. There have been numerous other cases of two-wheeler accidents involving stray cattle, further highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.
